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[GOVERNOR'S ISLAND;
ITS MILITARY HISTORY*

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1637-1913

BY THE

REVEREND EDMUND BANKS. SMITH, B.D.

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CHAPLAIN OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

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PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR
1913

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COPYRIGHTED' . • ""
1913

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BY THE

* ' * "
,<tfcEVEREND EDMUND BANKS SM^TH

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DEDICATED WITH RESPECT

TO THE MEMORY OF

MAJOR-GENERAL FREDERICK DENT GRANT
UNITED STATES ARMY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I. Indian and Dutch Period ... to 1674

Pages 11-24.

Chapter II. English Colonial and Revolutionary

Period 1674-1783

Pages 25-58.

Chapter III. Period of the War of 1812 . . . 1812-1815

Pages 59-77.

Chapter IV. Mexican and Civil War Period . . 1846-1865

Pages 78-85.

Chapter V. Garrison Notes 1865-1913

Pages 86-117.

Chapter VI. Ferry Transportation in Four Cen-
turies 1637-1913

Pages 118-124.

Chapter VII. The New York Arsenal .... 1831-1913

Pages 125-128.

Chapter VIII. Religious Work and Influence.

Pages 129-152.

Chapter IX. Governor's Island Extension.

Pages 153-156.

Chapter X. Commanding Generals, Post Com-
manders, British and American
Forces 1755-1913

Pages 157-169.

Addenda — British Regiments on Governor's Is-
land— H. M. 6oth Foot — the
King's Royal Rifle Corps.
Pages 171-175.

The Post Headquarters Building.
Pages 174-175.

Epilogue.

Pages 177-179.

PREFACE

TT SEEMS to be a beneficent arrangement of Nature that all
great harbours are provided with small islands. These
serve highly important purposes as breakwaters or stations for
various official uses, and especially for Army and Navy pur-
poses as ship yards and bases for defensive works and military
supplies.

Thus the harbour of Rio de Janeiro has Lage with its forts-
Cobras, Santa Barbara and others; Naples, its Ischia and
Capri; San Francisco has Angel Island and Alcatraz; St.
Petersburg, Basil and Petropski Islands ; Montreal, St. Helen's
and He Ronde ; Manila has Corregidor, our Eastern Gibraltar ;
and Panama in the South, Naos, Perico and Flamenco. New
York Harbour is well provided with these friendly aids to good
National housekeeping, which, beginning with the lighthouse
islands in the lower bay, and including the mighty Richmond
with its quarantine attendants, sweep in graceful lines through
the curving East River to where it debouches into the open
Sound. Among these sentries which stand on guard wherever
an open door invites attack is one, the fairest of them all, the
"Smiling Garden of the Sovereigns of the Province," as the old
Colonial Governors used to call it, which in its long career has
done more smiling than frowning, the subject of this History,
Governor's Island.

"Pagganck" in Indian days, "Nutten" in Colonial Dutch and
"Governor's" in English and American occupation — by every
name it has been fair and sweet, and it deserves as well of the
future as it has served well the past.

5

PREFACE

May the day never come when it shall lose its beauty and its
dignity and sink to the level of mere commercialism, swarming
with restless crowds on outing bent or disfiguring the noble ap-
proach to our Metropolitan city by ranks of cheerless chimneys
and a dismal waste of warehouses !

Governor's Island has stood in four centuries for that which
is best in our National life. It has represented authority and
defense. The Dutch and English before us regarded it as a
source of influence and power. Its nearness to the Metropolis
gives it convenience; its isolation bestows dignity and security.
In addition to its value and importance in time of peace for the
preservation of civic interests and in war for defense as a
centre of administration, a depot for supplies and a receiving
and training station, a value may be mentioned which as a
principle ranks above the definite purposes already men-
tioned. Historical continuity and veneration for persons and
places of dignity are not valued as they should be by the
American of today. It is needless to say how important
these considerations are for the higher development of our
National life. The writer does not know of any one place
in America where opportunities for developing these charac-
teristics of a high National life cluster as they do at Governor's
Island.

Here, for two hundred and seventy-five years, since Von
Twiller and the Indians signed their Roman-Dutch agreement,
authority has held the keys; here, for one hundred and fifty-
six years, since the "Royal Americans" mounted guard in
1756, the tramp of sentries has never ceased; here, since 1/83,
our flag has welcomed and dismissed the sun each day at
reveille and retreat; here, gallant officers and fair ladies have
lived and served and by their simple devotion to God and
country have taught to others that great silent lesson of patri-

6

PREFACE

otism which is the alphabet of the Army ; here, have been re-
ceived with dignified respect the representatives of the Powers
of every land, who have returned to their homes with a better
opinion of America because in seeing our greatest Port they
have seen also Governor's Island with all it represents. Truly,
this Island has served well the State. As a picture of our
Past, as a living reality in our Present, for the development of
our Future, it must be preserved and endowed with greater
power and activity.

The thought is not mere sentiment. It is practical patriotism.
Our people need the object lesson which this military Station
in New York can furnish. Washington has its Capitol, a pic-
ture in stone and iron for the Nation. New York has its civic
and mercantile buildings to inspire municipal pride and to
encourage financial enterprise. Governor's Island is the one
point in our vast City on which to centre a common patriotism.
We have pride and enterprise strongly developed. Our pat-
riotism which mounts to the sky in time of war lags sadly be-
low in peace when it is most needed. If this book has any
suggestion in its story of Governor's Island, it is of the im-
portance of preserving inviolate this spot of National and
Municipal interest, which through its long and honoured career
has touched so many points in the history of the American
Army and of the City of New York, and which today is a
reminder to millions, as it watches o'er the Town, that the
eternal vigilance of the Army is of fullest value to the State
when every citizen is a patriot. Semper floreat.

It has been found impossible to give the data in full of every
organization and individual stationed here. The records avail-
able are incomplete, and if they were not so to transcribe them
in full would encumber these pages with a mass of details and
not carry out the idea of the writer, which is to present a sim-

7

PREFACE

pie picture of our Island in four centuries from a military
point of view, with such touches of social life as can be gathered
from various sources.

The author desires to express his thanks to a number of
friends for aid in writing this History, especially to Brigadier-
General George Andrews, The Adjutant-General of the Army,
and to Colonel Herbert J. S locum for valuable assistance, and
to Captain Arthur F. Halpin for his kindness in preparing the
illustrations.

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, New York Harbour. 1913.

AUTHORITIES CONSULTED

(The spelling and capitalization in original papers, orders and reports are

retained.)*

Reference is made in the following pages to the authorities
mentioned, with the acknowledgments of the author:

Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York.

Manual of the Common Council of the City of New York.

Memorial History of the City of New York by Gen'l James
Grant Wilson.

History of Trinity Parish in the City of New York by the
Rev'd Morgan Dix, D.D., Rector of Trinity Church.

The Story of the Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion, Gov-
ernor's Island, by Dr. Dix.

Historic New York, Half Moon Series, by Blanche W.
Bellamy.

Tompkins Military Papers, by Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor
of New York 1807-1817.

Journal — Legislative Council of the Colony of New York.

Colonial History of the State of New York. Brodhead. ,

Medical History of Governor's Island, by Charles Page, Sur-
geon, U.S.A., F. W. Elbrey, Asst.

Original General and Special Garrison Order Book, 1814-15.

Colden Papers. Lt.-Governor Colden.

Clinton Papers. Governor Clinton.

Adjutant General's Department Compilation.

Circular No. 8 — Surgeon Genl's Office.

* The profuse use of capital letters in the time of Washington, as ex-
hibited in some of the Revolutionary Orders quoted in this History, may
be defended on the ground of good usage at the period. Benjamin
Franklin, as late as 1789, laments the new use coming then into vogue
of the non-capitalization of the initial letters of all nouns.

AUTHORITIES CONSULTED

MSS. Minutes of Common Council subsequent to 1786, in

Library of City Hall, New York.
New York City in the War of 1812. Guernsey.
Memorial History of Staten Island. Colonel Ira K. Morris.
Historical and Statistical Record of the University of the State

of New York. F. B. Hough.
New York Historical Society Publications.
Lee Papers.
Kemble's Journal. Lt.-Col. Stephen Kemble, Royal American

Regt.

New Amsterdam and its People. J. H. Innes.
Valentine's Manual.
Lamb's History of New York.
Historical Register U. S. Army. F. B. Heitman.
Army List — British Forces, 1756, &c. (Official.)

CHAPTER I.

INDIAN AND DUTCH PERIOD

Of the occupation of Governor's Island by the Indians little
is known except that they were here when the Dutch arrived
and that they undoubtedly enjoyed its quiet retreats, as suc-
ceeding generations of Dutch, English and American residents
have done. That they were ready to part with it for what they
deemed a fair consideration is evident from the deed of sale,
as recorded, to Governor ,WOuter Van Twiller in 1637, and
when we reflect that the Indians of Manahatas parted with
their Island to Minuit, Governor and DirectCr-CJeneral of New
Netherland, for sixty guilders (twenty-four dollars), we must
conclude that they made a shrewd bargain with Van Twiller
for Governor's Island,. . The Indian name for the Island was
"Pagganck," referring to the groves of hickory, oak and
chestnut trees with whicji it was well covered.

The Dutch rendered, cl\Is name by "Nutter,'.' and it was so

f ' 1 • ' HJ ' j o

called till the late Dulc,h, a,nd ,even the. ^arly English Colonial
period, the term "Nutter.," lingering in r.onie cases into the
Revolutionary times, although the, rut trees that gave it that
name had doubtless disappeared under the influence of the
famous saw mill of which mention is frequently made in early
times. The name of the Island was officially changed from
"Nutten" to "Governor's" by Act of Legislature, March 29,
1784.

That the Dutch had really a right to hold New York is
denied by Dr. Dix in his History of Trinity Church (Vol. I,
p. 21 ), in which he points out that "the Dutch had no right by
virtue of discovery, for the River and the Bay had been well
known since Verrazano's voyage in 1524. They had no rights
by virtue of Charter: three years before the voyage of Hud-
son . . . the region had been doubly covered by patents

ii

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

issued by King James to the North and South Virginia Com-
panies, a royal donation based on the claim of England to the
North American Mainland acquired by John Cabot in 1497.

The whole country was "preempted," as the Dutch very
well knew, both by priority of discovery and formal occupation.
Even if the Dutch had possessed a good title, a glance at the
map will show that the position could not have been perma-
nently maintained between the English settlements on the
North and Virginia on the South : it was merely a question of
time before inexorable laws must take their course."

Woodrow Wilson in his "History of the American People"
seems to hold an opposite view, regarding the claim of right as
a pretext, but he acknowledges that under Colonel Nicolls, "no
less a statesman than a soldier,. New Netherland was within a
year transformed '.into New York under laws which promised
toleration and -good,' government and which all sensible men
accepted with satisfaction."

The Dutch occupation of what is now New York, neverthe-
less, conferred a lasting benefit upon the- community in the
importation '6'i( sturdy traits of character which are appreciable
in some of it's most distinguished families today. Architec-
tural remains 'are naturally non-existent,, except in the style of
some modern adqpt|t<ons,'but the raines of streets and locali-
ties, such as SpiiyteV Diiyvil, Corlaers Hook, Coenties Slip,
Dutch and Van Dam • Street's,' Stuyvesant Square and St.
Mark's-in-the-Bouewrie, where Petrus Stuyvesant lies buried,
and many other names of like character, remind us of those
days when the foundations of our present greatness were laid.

The foundation of the settlement may be dated from 1621,
when the States-General of Holland gave the West Jndia Com-
pany its Charter. In 1623 the "New Netherlands," a stout
Dutch sailing vessel, Cornelius Jacobs of Hoorn, Skipper, with
thirty families came to this western Land of Promise. So sea-
worthy was this good ship that she continued in active service
for more than thirty years after this and brought doubtless a
large proportion of the early Dutch settlers to this land. In
1625 two more ships sailed from Holland laden with agricul-

12

INDIAN AND DUTCH PERIOD

tural implements, seeds for planting, 103 head of cattle, house-
hold furniture and 200 settlers. Upon arrival in the harbour
the cattle were landed on what is now Governor's Island.

The West India Company was incorporated June 3, 1621,
through the efforts of William Usselinx to colonize the lands
discovered by Hudson. In addition to the expectation of
revenue to be derived from the Colony was the idea of estab-
lishing a naval base for Dutch vessels in the war with Spain.
"In 1621, the year of its establishment, the Company obtained
a grant or patent from the States Generall for the setting and
Planting a Colony here and was called the New Netherlands
and made one of its first settlements near the mouth of Hud-
son's River upon an Island called Nutten Island."

From Colonial Documents — London.

The first permanent Colony upon Manhattan Island was
made by Peter Minuit in 1626 and the first act of settlement
was to acquire land from the owners. Governor Peter Minuit
made a bargain with the Indians as already mentioned, estab-
lishing thus early in what was to be the financial centre of the
world a basis of real estate valuation.

The prudent Van Twiller followed the precedent set by
Minuit with careful attention to comparative values and so in
1637 our Island passed forever from the control of the original
Race, the hut was abandoned, the tent was folded and
stowed in the canoe, the stealthy tread of the moccasin gave
place to the heavy tramp of the wooden shoe, "Pagganck" be-
came "Nutten" and a momentous page was opened in the
history of the subject of this memorial as tribal existence
yielded to National life. The flag of Holland is the first to
proclaim a National occupation, to be succeeded as time goes
on by that of England and then by that of England's daughter,
grown too big and free for Georgian leading strings.

It is not the purpose of the author to point a moral to adorn
this tale. The great fact stands out in considering the story
of this spot, as in larger issues, that National life depends upon
its standard of just dealings for continued existence. This is

13

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

why the great Roman Empire fell and why little Switzerland
endures. We may add many stars to the canton of our flag,
but they must be kept undimmed, for even a just cause needs
strong battalions.

The author trusts this simple tale of our Island will be of
interest to many and that the record of the illustrious Past
will inspire to even greater successes in the future. Before
going on to review events under the flags of Holland, England
and our own country, let us give a thought to those early in-
habitants who had no flag save the waving branch on the trees
which gave the name of Pagganck in the days before American
history began.

The Indians who inhabited Pagganck Island_j^d_lhe_Islajid
of Manhattan (named from them) were of the Manhattan^
tribe, belonging to the Wappinger Confederacy. Geographi-
cally and linguistically they were intermediate between the
Delawares to the south and the Mohegans who lived in other,
parts of New York State.

Their principal village was Nappeckamack (now Yonkers).
Their fort was Nipinicksen on Spuyten Duyvil Creek. From
this point they sailed out to attack Hudson on his return voy-
age down the River that now bears his name — a quarter of a
century before their sale of Pagganck (Nutten, Governor's)
Island to Wouter Van Twiller.

The illustration (p. 16) is from a rare engraving, an "ancient
engraving, executed in Holland," as its title sets forth. It
shows Fort Amsterdam erected in 1623 but finished as de-
picted in the engraving in 1635 by GovejLn^r__Wouter_Van_
Twiller, first Lord of Governor's Island. This engraving is
believed to be the only portrayal of the Island under the Indian
occupation as indicated by the tents and huts upon its shores
and the fleet of canoes plying between their Pagganck Island
and the mainland.*

•This engraving has been the subject of considerable discussion. As
it appears (p. 16) Fort Amsterdam is on the East side of Manhattan
Island, whereas it should be upon the West. J. H. Innes holds that
the reversal is due to the fact that the original view was taken from the

INDIAN AND DUTCH PERIOD

The deed of sale to Van Twiller extracted from the ancient
records of the Manual of the Corporation of the City of New
York is given in full, 'as befits its importance in an historical
account of this Island and also for its interest as a document
of the period.

We can imagine the effect upon Cakapeteyno and Pehiwas,
the agents of their tribe in the sale to the Governor, of the
sonorous phrases of the Roman-Dutch law and of the impres-
sive circumstances with which the ceremony was doubtless
invested. Whether the pipe of peace was passed around or
not we are not informed, but doubtless these original pro-
prietors were well content with the "certain parcels of goods"
which they acknowledged "to their full and grateful satis-
faction to have received into their hands and power," and in
such simple form of transportation as the ancient engraving
portrays they doubtless glided away to fish in other waters
and enjoy their parcels of goods on other shores.

Colonel Ira K. Morris in his "Memorial History of Staten
Island" says that wampum at this period was estimated as fol-
lows: "With the Dutch Governors six beads of the white or
four of the purple were equal in value to one penny. This
currency was used by Europeans for many years after their
settlement here. Both the Dutch and English recognized it as
currency for a long time. In 1683 the schoolmaster at Flat-
bush was paid his salary in wheat "at wampum value." In
1693 the ferriage for passage from New York to Brooklyn
was "eight stuyvers each in wampum."

Colonel Morris points out the advantage the Governor's
Island Indians had over those of Staten Island in making a
sale of their land to the Dutch in that "on the adjoining Island
(Staaten Eylandt) the Indians lived a most miserable life
from the time of the arrival of the Dutch. War and blood-
Long Island shore by means of a plain camera obscura and that the
proper orientation was not restored when the engraving was made in
Holland. The reader who desires to correct the error has only to hold
the picture before a mirror, when he will, upon reflection, perceive that
he has the proper view.

15

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

shed followed almost constantly. At times the whites were
murdered or driven away. At others, the Indians perished.
The Indians gradually decreased in number and power, and
their dust to the very last mingled with the earth where their
feet had trod. The last of the Raritans (or Aquehongas) on
Staten Island passed away about 1826."

It is a cause for gratification that our Island began ,its offi-
cial career in 1637 by honourable purchase from its owners.
During its documentary history of two hundred and seventy-
six years not a single transaction can be found of a question-
able character.* Under the three flags of; Holland, England
and America, as well as under the curling smoke of the wig-
wam, honour and justice have been the keynote of its existence
and the glory of its history.

* The alleged diversion of funds by Lord Cornbury in 1702 must be
mentioned as an unfortunate exception to this statement.

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ORIGINAL DEED

OF

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

BETWEEN THE

DIRECTOR AND COUNCIL OF NEW NETHERLANDS

AND

CAKAPETEYNO AND PEHIWAS
JUNE 16, 1637

WOUTER VAN TWILLER

DIRECTOR-GENERAL

[FROM THE MANUAL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK]

ORIGINAL DEED

"The Director and Council of New Netherlands residing
on the Island of Manahatas in the Fort Amsterdam under the
Government of their High and Mighty Lords, the States Gen-
eral of the United Netherlands and the privileged West India
Company, at their Chambers at Amsterdam, by these presents
do publish and declare that on this day, the date underwritten
before us, in their own person appeared and presented them-
selves, Cakapeteyno and Pehiwas as owners and declared that
voluntarily and deliberately at the special charge of the Rulers
and with the approbation of the Community for, and in con-
sideration of, certain parcels of goods which they, the said
appearers, before the passing of these presents, acknowledged
to their full and grateful satisfaction to have received into
their hands and power, they in their rightful ownership have
transported, ceded, given over and conveyed and by these
presents they do transport, cede, give over and convey to the
behoof of Wouter Van Twiller, Director General of New
Netherlands, the Nooten Island (Nut Island), in the Indian
tongue called Pagganck, situate over against the Island Mana-
hatas between the North and East Rivers of New Netherlands,
and that with all the action right (and) equity which to them
the said appearers in their said quality appertained, constitut-
ing and substituting the aforesaid Wouter Van Twiller in
their place and stead in the real and actual possession thereof,
and at the same time giving to the said Wouter Van Twiller
or to his successors full and irrevocable power, authority and
special license, tanquam actor et procurator in rent suam ac
propriain the aforesaid land peaceably to possess, inhabit,
cultivate and occupy, and also therewith and thereof to do,
trade, and dispose in the same manner in which he might do
with his own lands honestly and lawfully without their the
granters any longer any part, right, action or authority what-
ever, whether of ownership charge or jurisdiction, having,
reserving or saving but to the behoof as aforesaid, now7 and
forever from the same resisting and denouncing, abstaining

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

and withdrawing, promising moreover not only by this their
transport and whatever may have been done by virtue thereof
forever by these presents, firmly, inviolably and irrevocably to
maintain faithful and execute, but also the said Island, against
all and everyone to deliver and maintain, free from all de-
mands, prosecutions and incumbrances that thereto may be
instituted by anyone — all in good faith, without fraud and
deceit.

These presents are confirmed with our usual signatures and
our seal thereto suspended.

Done on the aforesaid Island of Manahatas the sixteenth
day of June, 1637.

WAS UNDERSIGNED

JACOBUS CORLER
ANDRIUS HUDDE
JACOBUS BONTYN
CLAUS VAN ELSLANT."

The "certain parcels of goods" mentioned in this document
are believed to have been an axe head or two, a string of
beads and a few nails.

General James Grant Wilson in the year 1875 in conver-
sation with her Majesty the Queen of Holland asked her
whether she did not think sixty guilders a very small consider-
ation for Manahatas Island, to which her Majesty promptly
replied: "If the savages had received more for their land
they would simply have drunk more fire water," which reflec-
tion will reconcile us to the very small amount involved in the
"parcels of goods," for which our fair Island was signed away.
However, if the Dutch made a good bargain in 1637, they did
not do so well in 1667 when by the treaty of Breda they re-
ceived Surinam as an equivalent for what is now New York!*

-The Articles of Capitulation for the surrender of Surinam (Dutch
Guiana) were drawn up 6th May, 1667, and state that "Peace between
the States and England consists in the absolute abolition of all pretence
on either side — each to remain masters of what they were in possession of
the 10/20 of May 1667."

20

INDIAN AND DUTCH PERIOD

The doughty Van Twillcr had arrived from Holland in "De
Zoutberg" in 1633, bringing with him 104 soldiers, the first
military force sent to the Province.

Van Twillcr is believed to have been the only private owner
of Governor's Island. After his departure there were found
"on Nut Island, containing about 80 morgens,* a house, 21
pairs of goats, together with various goods and chattels."
The Island was then directly occupied by the Government.

We do not read of any fortifications in those early days on
Nutten Island, Van Twiller's soldiers being undoubtedly quar-
tered in Fort Amsterdam, but in 1639 the saw mill on the
Island was leased by the "Honorable, Wise and Right prudent,
Mr. William Kieft" to Evert Bischop, Siebout Claesen and
Harman Bastiensen. They were to pay five hundred mer-
chantable or sound planks, one-half pine and the other oak and
to saw not less than 65 to the bulk.

We read in an old record that this saw mill was probably
worked by the tide in the River (Buttermilk Channel). Peter
Stuyvesant found this mill completely ruined and useless, and
in January 1648 he and the Council resolved that the best
interests of the Company required that it be dismantled by
removing the iron work from it by burning the mill.

J. H. Innes in his "New Amsterdam and Its People" states
that the machinery for a saw mill arrived from Holland about
1626. "This mill was worked by wind power after the Hol-
land fashion and was erected on the shores of Nutten — now
Governor's — Island, a situation which will seem the less singu-
lar if one calls to mind not only the facilities for floating logs
to the spot from the neighbouring shores but also the one hun-
dred acres and more on the Island itself.*

The ancient engraving (p. 16) shows a windmill near Fort
Amsterdam. In 1631 a windmill stood on Heere Straat
(Broadway) near what is now Courtlandt Street. Governor

* In Valentine's Manual we read that Nutten Island contained about
160 acres of land, an interesting fact in connection with the restored area
amounting (1913) in all to 173 acres. "Morgen" is a word of Dutch origin
denoting a land measure of two acres.

21

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

Van Twiller began the enlargement of Fort Amsterdam at
Bowling Green in 1633. This Fort was 300 x 250 feet, with
stone bastions. It contained within the walls the Governor's
House, used for official and social purposes, and a stone Gar-
rison Chapel, 72 x 52 feet in size.

LORDS OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

DUTCH AND ENGLISH COLONIAL GOVERNORS

WOUTER VAN TWILLER, Appointed April, 1633

Bought Governor's Island i6th June, 1637

WILLIAM KIEFT, Appointed Mch. 28, 1638

PETRUS STUYVESANT May 1 1, 1647

RICHARD NICOLLS Sept. 8, 1664

FRANCIS LOVELACE Aug. 17, 1668

CORNELIS EVERTSE, JR., and a Council of War,

Aug. (N. S.) 12, 1673

ANTHONY COLVE Sept. 19, 1673

EDMUND ANDROS Nov. (N. S.) 10, 1674

ANTHONY BROCKHOLLES, Commander-in-Chief. Nov. 16, 1677

SIR EDMUND ANDROS, Knight Aug. 7, 1678

ANTHONY BROCKHALES, Commander-in-Chief,

Jany. (N. S.) 13, 1681

THOMAS DONGAN Aug. 27, 1683

SIR EDMUND ANDROS, Knight Aug. n, 1688

FRANCIS NICHOLSON, Lieut-Governor Oct. 9, 1688

JACOB LEISLER June 3, 1686

HARRY SLOUGHTER Mch. 19, 1691

RICHARD INGOLSBY, Commander-in-Chief July 26, 1691

BENJAMIN FLETCHER Aug. 30, 1692

22

INDIAN AND DUTCH PERIOD

THE EARL OF BELLOMONT April 13, 1698

JOHN NANFAN, Lieut-Governor May 17, 1699

THE EARL OF BELLOMONT July 24, 1700

COLONEL WILLIAM SMITH \ Mch. 5, 1701 \

COLONEL ABRAHAM DE PEYSTER >- to v Council
COLONEL PETER SCHUYLER ; May 19, 1701 )

JOHN NANFAN, Lieut. -Governor May 19, 1701

LORD CORNBURY May 3, 1702

LORD LOVELACE Dec. 18, 1708

PETER SCHUYLER, President May 6, 1709

RICHARD INGOLSBY, Lieut.-Governor May 9, 1709

PETER SCHUYLER, President May 25, 1709

RICHARD INGOLSBY, Lieut.-Governor June i, 1709

GERARDUS BEEKMAN, President April 10, 1710

ROBERT HUNTER June 14, 1710

PETER SCHUYLER, President July 21, 1710

WILLIAM BURNET Sept. 17, 1720

JOHN MONTGOMERIE April 15, 1728

RIP VAN DAM, President July i, 1731

WILLIAM COSBY Aug. i, 1732

GEORGE CLARKE, President Mch. 10, 1736

GEORGE CLARKE, Lieut.-Governor Oct. 30, 1736

GEORGE CLINTON Sept. 2, 1743

SIR DANVERS OSBORNE, Bart Oct. 10, 1753

JAMES DE LANCEY, Lieut.-Governor Oct. 12, 1755

SIR CHARLES HARDY, Knight Sept. 3, 1755

JAMES DE LANCEY, Lieut.-Governor -June 3, 1757

CADWALLADER COLDEN, President Aug. 4, 1760

CADWALLADER COLDEN, Lieut.-Governor Aug. 8, 1761

ROBERT MONCKTON Oct. 26, 1761

CADWALLADER COLDEN, Lieut.-Governor Nov. 18, 1761

ROBERT MONCKTON June 14, 1762

23

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

CADWALLADER GOLDEN, Lieut.-Governor June 28, 1763

SIR HENRY MOORE, Bart Nov. 13, 1765

CADWALLADER GOLDEN, Lieut.-Governor Nov. 12, 1769

EARL OF DUNMORE Oct. 19, 1770

WILLIAM TRYON July 9, 1771

CADWALLADER COLDEN, Lieut-Governor April 7, 1774

WILLIAM TRYON June 28, 1775

JAMES ROBERTSON j Mch. 23, 1780

ANDREW ELLIOTT, Lieut.-Governor j . April 17, 1783

Military Governors, not recognized by the
State of New York.

CHAPTER II.

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

1674-1783

In 1698 the Island was set aside by the Assembly as being
"part of the Denizen of His Majestie's Fort at New York for
the benefit and accommodation of his Majestie's Governors
for the time being," and hence it came to be familiarly called
"The Governor's Island." In the course of time the word
"The" has been eliminated from the title by common usage.
Some authorities dispense with the possessive apostrophe, but
this use has not been generally adopted.* An example is found
in the use of "The," as referred to, in a letter from Governor
Tryon to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated 5th September, 1775,
in which he says:

"The City has remained quiet . . . Fresh provisions are
to be delivered on the Governor's Island for the Asia."

The later Governors in some cases leased the Island for
their own profit. There is a tradition that Governor Clinton
leased the Island for a race course to a Dr. Price who built a
hotel in 1784 and that horse races were run upon it in 1784-5.
The account given by F. B. Hough in the Historical and Sta-
tistical Record of the University of the State of New York is
authentic. He says:

"By Act of March 31, 1790, for the encouragement of edu-
cation, Governor's Island was granted to the Regents unless
needed for Military purposes. The Committee consisted of
Genl Schuyler, Mr L'Hommedieu and Mr Benson. It was
leased to Mr John Price for twenty one years at an annual
rental of £93 with a deduction for taxes." However, this was
not to last long, for, as the Report goes on to state, "in 1794
Commissioners were appointed to erect fortifications, works
were begun on Governor's Island and the Regents' title was
voided."

*The Eastern Department in official papers has for some time past dis-
continued the use of the apostrophe.

25

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

Other works cooperating later with the fortifications of
Governor's Island may be mentioned as throwing light upon
the progress of military art in the early days of the Province.
Fort Amsterdam (at Bowling Green) not having been com-
pleted up to the time of Van T wilier' s arrival in 1633, the
structure was finished in 1635.* A barracks for the newly
arrived soldiers was built within the walls, while to the south
was erected the (garrison) Church in Governor Keift's time,
1642. The principal gate opened upon Bowling Green and
was guarded by a small redoubt called a horn, which many
think stood just where the present enclosed area now is. In
1664 when the English took New York the name of the fort
was changed to Fort James, later to Fort Anne and then to
Fort George.

In 1667 Governor Nicolls referred to Bedlow's Island as
the "largest of the Oyster Islands." It received its name from
Isaac Bedlow, patentee under Governor Nicolls. Fort Wood
was^erected on this Island in 1841 at a cost of $21,300. It
mounted 77 guns and accommodated a garrison of 350 men.
This was built upon the site of the first fortifications erected
about the year 1800.

Governor Lovelace in 1669 issued a commission for Isaac
Bedlow (Bedloo) as follows, and a year later conferred special
privileges upon Love Island, which later became known as
Bedlow's Island and is so called today :

COMMISSION FOR MR. ISAAC BEDLOO

TO BEE CAPT. OF A FFOOT-COMPANY IN THIS ClTY.

1669. By Vertue of ye Commission & Authority unto
mee given by his Royall Highness James Duke of Yorke
and Albany &c — I doe Constitute & Appoint you Isaac
Bedloo to bee Captn of a Foot Company Lysted or to bee
Lysted wth in this City and precincts. You are to take into
yor Charge & care ye said Company as Captaine thereof
& duely to Exercize both yor inferiour Officrs & Souldyers
in Armes & to use your best care, skill & Endeavour to
keep them in good Order & Discipline; hereby requiring

* See illustration p. 16.

26

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

all infcriour Officers and Souldyers under yor Command
to obey you as their Captainc ; * * * : according to ye
Discipline of Warr. Given under my Hand & Scale ye
irst day of [ ] in ye 2ith yeare of his Maties Reigne,
Anno Domini 1669.

FRANCIS LOVELACE.

From Minutes of the Executive Council
of the Province of Neiv York.

On August 10, 1670, Lovelace gave the new name of "Love
Island" to a "Certaine Little Island in ye Bay neare this Citty
comonly called Oyster Island" for which Bedlow had had a
"patent graunted by Col Richard Nicolls and the Island was
made a "Priviledged place where no Warrant of Attachmt or
arrest shall be made of force or served unless it be by ye
Governors Speciall Warrant in Cases of breach of ye peace or
Cryminall Matt"."

Ellis Island, called at one time Gibbet Island on account of
the execution of a number of pirates upon it, called also Buck-
ing- Island in 1674, and Oyster Island in 1808, had Fort Gibson
built upon it in 1841 at a cost of $5,096, mounting 15 guns
manned by a garrison of 80 men.

As early as 1809 the Secretary of War reports on Bedlow's
Island a mortar battery, and on Ellis Island an open barbette
battery for heavy ordnance.

A council was held at Fort William Henry on the 26th of
September, 1691, at which it was decreed that Nutten Island
and the so-called Oyster Islands, viz, Bedlow's, Ellis and a
third (smaller) Island now submerged, be added to the County
of New York, whereupon Colonel Cortlandt and Chidley
Brooks, Esq., brought back the bill to the Assembly desiring
to except Nutten Island from the provisions of the bill inas-
much as it "belongs to his Majestie's Fort and Garrison."
This decision being sent up again to the Fort and approved by
the Governor and Council, the bill was finally sent to England
for the King's approval and it was confirmed May 2nd, 1708,
Nutten Island being excepted from the County, but later by
the Montgomery Charter of 1750 Governor's Island was made

27

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

part of the City of New York and by act of March 7, 1788, of
the County of New York.

In this connection it is interesting to note the more romantic
way in which our sister (Staten) Island gained her alliance
with the Empire State.

Colonel Morris in his History of Staten Island states that
under the Dutch rule Staten Island taxes were collected by
the New Jersey authorities without protest. When the Eng-
lish came into power a number of the settlers on the Island
refused to pay taxes altogether.

In 1668, the trouble between the interested parties increas-
ing, James, Duke of York, who had been made by his brother,
King Charles II, the nominal ruler of the English Provinces
in America, decided that "all Islands in the Harbour of New
York which could be circumnavigated in twenty-four hours
should belong to the Colony of New York; otherwise, to New
Jersey," whereupon Captain Christopher Billopp, commander
of a little vessel at the port of Perth Amboy, made the
voyage around Staten Island with an hour or so to spare.
It is said that he covered the deck of his vessel with
empty barrels, thus gaining considerable sailing power. His
reward from the Duke was the present of a tract of land of
1163 acres.

The village of Tottenville now stands upon this tract. In
spite of the settlement made by the Duke of York the question
of State ownership still remained more or less open between
New York and New Jersey until it was finally adjusted to
mutual satisfaction in 1833.

The English Colonial Governors Sloughter, Fletcher and
Cornbury, from 1691 to 1702 urged the fortification of New
York Harbour. All that was secured was £1500 for defences
at the Narrows, which sum, a large one at that day, was ex-
pended by Lord Cornbury for a pleasure house on Governor's
Island to which he and other Governors were wont to retire
to "free themselves from business." The picturesque title it
bore described it well, no doubt — "The Smiling Garden of the
Sovereigns of the Province." Governor Clarke in 1738 again

28

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

urged the importance of proper defences. Lord Loudoun's
arrival with a large fleet in 1756, however, allayed fears of
invasion and until June 28, 1775, Governor's Island was suc-
cessively the perquisite and residence of Governors Hardy,
Delancy, Golden, Moore, Dunmore and Tryon.* Other Gov-
ernors leased it during their terms of office, as wre learn inci-
dentally from a communication to Lord Dunmore.

In 1770 Richard Deane petitioned Lord Dunmore in the
following plaintive strain : "Your Lordship's Petitioner most
humbly showeth that he hath rented an Island called the
Governor's Island from his Honour * * * * * that he
hath been at great expence cultivating said Island * * * *
that your Lordship's Petitioner hath been led by Ruleing hand
of kind Providence to be your Lordship's first tenant in
America * * * * And your Petitioner as in duty bound
will not only ever pray — but will pay your Lordship's Rent
very punctually." It does not appear from what has come
down to posterity just what Richard Deane desired to obtain
from his noble landlord, but let us hope the sentiment with
which he closed his appeal had the desired effect.

Lord Cornbury came into possession of the Island as Gov-
ernor of the Province of New York in 1702 and caused £1500
to be raised by various assessments, among the many enumer-
ated being a "tax of Five shillings and six pence for every per-
son that Wares a Perl Ring: Every Bachelor above the Age
of twenty-five years two shillings and five pence," and used
that money, according to Lt. -Governor Cadwallader Golden,
and as above noted, to build a pleasure house for himself and
succeeding Governors.

It is not known on what part of the Island this Governor's
House was situated. It seems most reasonable to suppose
that Lord Corrubury chose the finest situation for elevation and
general outlook in the middle of the Island where the present
Fort Jay now stands. The building now used for Post Head-
quarters was called "the Governor's House" as late as 1840,

* Governor Kieft, who succeeded Van Twiller, had a plantation on the
Island which he leased at an annual rental of 150 pounds of tobacco.

29

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

but there appears no other reason than that to suppose it was
built by Lord Cornbury.

An oil painting from the collection of the late Revd. Charles
Hoffman, D.D., now the property of his daughter, Mrs. J. Van
Vechten Olcott of New York, marked "Governor's Island,
1750 — F. Willa," shows a splendid castle in French renaissance
style upon the N. E. part of the Island where the Post Head-
quarters building now stands. This building is so massive
and extensive that it appears incredible it should have disap-
peared and left no trace behind. The presence in the channel
of many Dutch vessels (1750) and other apparent inconsisten-
cies lead to a belief that the artist used his imagination to an
extent not justified by the facts in the case.

The pomp and circumstance attending the office of Gover-
nor at this period and the formality of official language are
well illustrated in an Address presented to Lord Cornbury
upon his arrival. This is taken from the Minutes of the
Common Council of the City of New York, published by
authority :

To His Excellency the Right Honble EDUARD LORD CORN-
BURY Capt Genii and Governour in Chiefe of his Majesties
Province of New Yorke and Territories depending thereon
in America and Vice Admiral of the same, &c.*

The Humble Address of the Mayor Al[d]ermen and
Commonality of the Citty of New Yorke
(486) May itt please your Excellency
In the Name and on the behalfe of the Freemen and
Inhabitants of this his Majesties Corporation and Citty
of New Yorke Wee doe heartily Congratulate your
Lordships safe Arrival in this your Government & as
Wee Cannot Entertain to Gratefull A sence of his
Majesties Royall bounty * * in making soe Excellent
and prudent A Choice in sending your Lordship A per-
son of so great and Noble birth Skillfull in the Art of
Warr : : to secure us from the * * Enemy Abroad
and Cause us to flourish with * * Tranquility att
home soe Shall we Studiously Endeavour to

* Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, 3rd Earl of Clarendon, succeeded in
1709 to the title of his father, Henry, and Earl of Clarendon.

30

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

Demonstrate and Express that Gratitude in our ready
Complvance with Everything in our power which Your
Lordship * * shall judge Necessary and Contribute to
his Majesties' Service and Honour : * * That God in
his Infinite Mercy and goodness will Vouchsafe to bless
his Majesty with A long And happy Reign Over us
* * * is the fervent prayer of

Your Lordship's most dutifull
May, 1702. humble servants.

Governor Cornbury, twenty-second Lord of Governor's
Island, built an official residence here in the early years of the
i8th century according to good authority, but no records of it
are to be found.*

That the cost of living was high in New York in the time
of Cornbury as now we learn from an order published for the
benefit of officers and soldiers by the Common Council of the
City of New York held at the City Hall on Tuesday the 26th
day of May Anno Dom 1702, at which were present
Thomas Noell, Esqr., Mayor,

Sampson Shelton Broughton, Esqr., Recorder and ten
Aldermen.

The order is as follows:

WHEREAS his most sacred Majestyf Among many Other
princely favours Shown to this Province hath sent Over
during the Late Warr A Considerable Number of forces
to protect and secure us from the Insults of our Enemies
the French of Canada and their Indians And

Whereas all manner of Provisions and Apparrell are much
dearer in this Citty than in England whereby the said
Soldiers Cannot Conveniently subsist of their pay only,
but the most of them being Tradesmen which had they
A Liberty to Exercise within this Corporation itt would
not Only Enable them to live [492] Comfortably but Im-
pede their dissertion and Encourage them in them in their
duty, * * And Whereas by the By Laws of this Cor-
poration No person Whatever Can Keep Shop or Exer-
cise Any handy Craft Trade or Occupation but such as
are Freeman thereof, Therefore this Court doe hereby

* See p. 29. t With reference to capitalization see note on p. 9.

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Resolve and Order that all the Officers and Soldiers (who
are his Majesties Natural born Subjects belonging to his
Majesties Garrison Forte William Henry* within this
Citty be made Freemen of this Corporation Gratis & Or-
dered that the Mayor Recorder and Aldermen Administer
unto them the Oath of A Freeman and Grant them Cer-
tificates thereof under the scale of the Citty and that the
Town Clerke Register their Names as Freemen Accord-
ingly Any former Law to the Contrary in Anywise Not-
withstanding.

The provisions of this humane regulation were extended,
as far as possible, to the troops later stationed on Governor's
Island.

In 1710 large bodies of Palatines were sent to America and
it was decided by the Colonial Authorities that Nutten Island
was the "properest place to put them," and two carpenters,
Johannes Hebon and Peter Williamse, were ordered to "wait
on the Presidentf to Nutten Island at two in the afternoon with
respect to Building huts" for the Exiles. Governor Hunter
immediately established special Courts of Judicature "because
the said Island lyeth not within the body of any County of this
Province and in noe wise subject to the Jurisdiction of any of
the Courts that are established within the same."

It is stated that from seven to ten thousand of these exiles
were encamped here at one time. They were later sent up the
Hudson to Greene and Columbia Counties, where their de-
scendants may be found to this day.

Governor Cosby during his office used Governor's Island
for a game preserve. In 1738 the Legislature passed an act to
preserve the breed of English pheasants in this colony. The
Act declares that "whereas the late Governor (Cosby) did
place about one half dozen couple of English pheasants upon
Nutten Island and pinioned them to the end that they might
remain there to propagate their species with a view that their
increase would spread from there and stock the country with
their kind ; and whereas the said fowls not only have increased
vastly upon the said Island but many of them have already

* The Fort at Bowling Green, t Peter Schuyler.

32

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

spread over to Nassau (Long Island) and in all probability
will soon stock the country if people are restrained from de-
stroying them for a few years, the present Governor being also
desirous that the whole Colony may be stocked with these
birds — it is enacted that no birds shall be killed nor eggs taken
for one year."* So from the time the 103 head of cattle were
landed on Pagganck Island from the "New Netherlands" in
1623 and Wouter Van Twiller had his 21 pairs of goats in
1637 and the Government in 1/38 went into the business of
pheasant farming, down to the present day, when the squirrels
introduced by Major-General Nelson A. Miles in 1895 are
slill under official protection, our Island has maintained a
creditable reputation for interest in animal life.

The Governors of that period, however, took thought for
more important matters than the propagation of valuable
birds, as we learn from Governor Clarke's speech of 5th Sep-
tember, 1738, in which he strongly recommends fortifications.

Addressing the Legislature the I5th of April, 1741, he said:
"There is great cause to apprehend a speedy rupture with
France. Your situation ought therefore to awaken you to see

the importance of erecting batteries in proper places

and one at Red Hook to prevent the enemy landing upon
Governor's Island." Governor Clinton, addressing the As-
sembly April 1 7th, 1744, also urged action to prevent the
enemy landing any force or artillery on Nutten Island.

The first mention of troops on Governor's Island is in con-
nection with Major-General William Pepperell's Regiment as
follows :

"NEW YORK, June the 3rd, 1755.

Rec'd of the Honorable James De Lansea, Esq., the
sum of Three Pounds, fourteen shillings and nine pence
for five cords and three quarters of Oak wood for the use
of Sir. Wm. Pepperell's Regiment encamped on Nutten
Island in full pr. Me ben hildreth."

It is interesting to note that this Major-General Sir William
Pepperell was an American Soldier, born in Kittery, Maine,

* From "Social Life under the Georges," by E. Singleton.

33

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

in 1696. In 1726 Pepperell was made Colonel of Militia and
in 1730 a Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas.

In 1745 he was Commander-in-chief of the New England
force of 4000 men which, assisted by a British Squadron under
Commodore Peter Warren, captured the French fortress of
Louisburg. For his services Pepperell was created a baronet,
the only New Englander so honoured. He received the rank
of Lieutenant-General in 1759.

General James Grant Wilson and John Fiske say of Pep-
perell that "the greater names of Washington and the Revo-
lutionary generals have eclipsed that of Pepperell, but it should
not be forgotten that he did more than any other man to pre-
pare the army that was afterward to achieve American inde-
pendence."

A later reference to the regiment of Sir William is found
in a bill for straw under date of Aug. 23, 1755, when it was
stationed on Governor's Island:
James Delansea, Esq.,

To Cornelius Tiebout.

To 322 bundles straw for Gene'l Pepparill's Redgement,
@ 4 d. £5" 7" 4.

•

The following orders, taken from the certified minutes of
the Common Council, make mention of the Military Establish-
ment on Governor's Island in official records.

At a Common Council held at the City Hall of the said City
on Saturday the 28th day of August, Anno Dom. 1756,

(462)

Mr. Mayor Informed this board that Collo. Young in
the name of Collo. Stanwich Desired that this Corporation
would be pleased to advance and furnish his Majesties'
forces on Nutten Island with Straw and wood during
their Stay there, whereupon this board having Considered
the Same Do agree that this board Do advance on the
Credit of the Government a Sum not exceeding fifty
pounds for the purpose aforesaid.

Governor Hardy as early as 1/56 saw the strategical im-
portance of Governor's Island and wrote as follows :

34

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

Governor Hardy to the Lords of Trade.

Fort George, New York

27 October. 1756.

*#•.;:*** * • *

It will be highly proper to put this Province into a
State of Defence from any attack by Sea. Some

heavy cannon should be mounted upon Nutten Island on
the Ground that if the enemy should attack the City with
a fleet they will make themselves masters of it from
whence they can easily bombard the City.

References to a Colonial Regiment styled the Royal Ameri-
cans are found in the following orders. It will be noticed that
the date is twenty years preceding the Declaration of Inde-
pendence :

Common Councill,

City Hall, Oct. 19,
No. Anno Domini, 1756.

1345

Warrant issued.

Order'd the Like of Mr. Christopher Bancker or his
order the Sum of Nine pounds two shillings in full for
the Like sum by him advanced and paid for his fire wood
for the use of the Royall Americans on Nutten Island as
per his said Account Audited by this board and allowed of.

Meeting of Common Councill,

No. City Hall, Nov. 8, 1756.

1346
Warrant issued.

Ordered that Mr. Recorder issue his warrant to the
Treasurer of the City to pay to Jacob Bremington or his
order the sum of five pounds four shillings in full of his
account for Straw by him provided for the Royal Ameri-
cans.

Ten years later we read in Captain John Montressor's Jour-
nal of further plans for the fortification of Governor's Island.
Captain Montressor was styled the "Chief 'Engineer of
America," and he reports as follows under date of Sept. 9,
1766:

35

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Delivered to the Commander in Chief my Report.
Made my design on a Scale of 200 feet to the inch for
fortifying Governor's or Nutten Island."

And again:

May 12, 1767.

On return from inspection at Albany, May I2th, a fair
wind & the I3th at York. The whole Regiment was
found encamped on the Island, the 22nd and two Bat-
talions of Royal Americans. Encamped outside of ye
Stockade also the 44th."

This Report indicates the presence of two Regiments in ad-
dition to the Royal Americans and makes incidental reference
to a stockade which probably enclosed the main Garrison.

In Jared Sparks' Life of Washington we learn something of
the formation of this Regiment, the first one of which there is
record by name on Governor's Island.

"Lord Loudoun as Commander of the forces in America,"
he says, "was empowered to raise a Regiment in the Colonies
consisting of four battalions to be commanded by officers bear-
ing the King's Commission and called the Royal American
Regiment. Recruiting officers were employed in Virginia en-
listing men for the Royal Regiment. The Assembly voted
£8000 to be paid for enlisting men and transporting them to
New York.

The Maryland Assembly appropriated £5000 to aid enlist-
ments in that Colony for the Royal Americans and resolved to
raise 300 men. A bounty was given not exceeding £5 for each
man enlisted.

Horatio Gates, later (June, 1775) Adjutant-General in the
American Army with the rank of brigader-general, was an
officer in this Regiment. Gates was aide-de-camp to General
Monckton in his expedition against Martinique in 1762. He
was a bearer of despatches to London announcing the success-
ful result of this victory and was rewarded 'by being made
Major in the Royal Americans.

It is fair to assume he was stationed on Governor's Island
in 1767, for Captain John Montressor in his Report of May

36

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

I2th in that year, says he "found the whole Regiment encamped
on the Island, the 22d, and two Battalions of Royal Americans,
also the 44th Regt." (p. 36).

In the Military Department of the New York Public Library
is a valuable set of Army lists of the British Forces, published
by order of the Honorable Secretary at War, of separate vol-
umes in superb bindings, 1754 to 1842. The volumes bear the
crest and bookplate of Colonel FitzClarence, Earl of Munster,
who died in London, 1842. The changes in the personnel of the
various years are carefully written in. From these reports we
learn that the 62nd Regiment of Foot was styled "Royal Ameri-
cans" in 1756. In 1757 the number was changed to 6oth Regt
of Foot and so remained, the Regiment being stationed here
continuously till 1773 when it was ordered to the West Indies.

The uniform of the Royal Americans originally was Red
faced with Blue, but as we learn from these Reports, the uni-
form was changed in 1770 to "Red faced with Blue, White
Lace, with 2 blue Stripes."

The uniform of the 44th Regiment of Foot, stationed in
1767 on Governor's Island, was Red faced with Yellow.

The uniform of the 22d Regiment of Foot, which we learn
from Montressor's Report was here with the Royal Americans,
was Red faced with pale Blue.

John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, was appointed Com-
mander in Chief of the British forces in America, March 20,
1756. Lord Loudoun commanded the Royal Americans for a
number of years with the title "Colonel in Chief," having under
his command in 1756 four "Colonels Commandant," viz.: John
Stanwix, Joseph Dusseaux, Charles Jefferyes, James Prevost
and Majors J. Young, J. Robertson, J. Rutherford, Augustine
Prevost and Chaplains Thomas Gawton and Wm. Nicholas
Jackson.

Eighteen years later, when the Regiment had been for a
year at Jamaica and Antigua, 1774, many names of the officers,
advanced in grade, and of Chaplain Jackson, are still found
which were on the roster of 1756 at Governor's Island.

The Royal American, 6oth Regiment of Foot, is (1913) the

37

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

King's Royal Rifle Corps. Uniform, Green with Scarlet fac-
ings. Two battalions are stationed in England and two in
India.

Motto :
Celer

et
Auda.v

The 44th Regiment of Foot is now the Essex Regiment.
One battalion is stationed at Quetta and one at Bordon.

The 22d Regiment of Foot is now the Cheshire Regiment.
Uniform, Scarlet with Buff facings. One battalion is at Bel-
fast and one at Jubbulpore.

Hart's Annual for 1913 gives the King's Rifle Corps, as
"formerly the 6oth." The Colonel in Chief is His Majesty
the King and the Senior of the four Colonels Commandant is
the Rt. Hon. Francis Wallace, Lord Grenfell, K.C.B., G.C.M.G.
The other Colonels Commandant are Sir Wykeham Leigh
Pemberton, K.C.B., Sir Cromer Ashburnham, K.C.B., and
Sir Edward Thomas H. Hutton, K.C.M.G., K.C.B.

During the Revolutionary War concerts were given by the
Royal American Band at Burns' New Assembly Rooms. This
popular assembly, where the fashionables gathered much as
they do at Delmonico's and Sherry's today, was at the upper
end of Bowling Green, near the Van Courtlandt House. Bene-
dict Arnold lodged here for a time after his desertion from
the Army.

Another reference is found to this early Governor's Island
Regiment during the Stamp Act troubles when General Gage
ordered Fort George at Bowling Green to be dismantled in
order to appear to the people "Less menacing and unfriendly."
The work was performed by the detachments of Royal Ar-
tillery, assisted by the Royal American Regiment who went
over from Governor's Island for that purpose.

It was not long before the mutterings of war were heard.
An intimation of this which shows that Governor's Island was
of value not only for "refreshment after the cares of business,"

38

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

but for more important reasons, is disclosed in a letter from
Governor Tryon to the Earl of Dartmouth.

NEW YORK, i6th Oct. 1775
MY LORD:- —

The City has been in continual agitation and ferment
eticreased by a recommenda'tn and resolve of the Con-
tinental Congress that this provincial Congress should
take into consideration the expediency of siezing or
securing the Crown Officers * * * I kept out of Town
all Thursday at the Governor's Island and in the evening
the Asia boat landed me at Long Island and (I) lay at
Mr. Astell's at Flatbush.

In a letter to Lord Dartmouth under date of June 7th, 1775,
the Governor speaks of "the critical and dangerous situation
of the British soldiers quartered in New York, the men desert-
ing in considerable numbers and being the object of attack.

General Gage proposed putting the soldiers and their families
on board H. B. M. S. "Asia." After some delay, the situation
becoming more acute, the following order was issued :

To MAJOR HAMILTON,
i8th Regiment,
Spring Hill.

5th June, 1775

The difficulty about the Women and children which
occasioned an alteration of our first Determination to put
the troops under Command on board of the Asia being
obviated by removing the Women to Governor's Island
***** You have my leave to encamp the Women
on the Governor's Island and if there is any room in the
House which the Family who live there do not make use
of, I am willing the women should have it. You will
please to give orders that they by no means burn or de-
stroy the Fences or do any kind of Injury to any thing on
the Island.

I am, etc.,

CADWALLADER GOLDEN,
Lieut. Gov'r Province of New York.

A citadel and outworks were begun in 1775. General orders

39

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

of April i6th, 1775, read: "Colonel Prescott's Regiment is to
encamp on Governor's Island * * * They are to give every
assistance in their power to the works erecting thereon." This
Regiment, the famous Bunker Hill Regiment, was joined later
by the 4th Continental Infantry, Colonel Nixon Command-
ing.

Some highly interesting facts in regard to the fortification
of the Island at this period are learned from a letter written
by Benjamin Franklin to General Lee in which he encloses a
long communication from Trevor Newland Stafford. The
fact of its quotation implies Franklin's approval of the senti-
ments expressed by Stafford. Extracts from the letter
follow :

To the Honourable CHARLES LEE, Esq.,

Lieut. -General of the Continental Army,
New York.

5th February, 1776.
*********

I'm amazed at a ship or two laying at New York in
open violation of ye United Provinces. The Asia lay
along in the North River and refused to go into ye Sound.
***** There js Nutten (Governor's Island) well
situated to place Guns and I imagine 300 or 400 men
would be sufficient to compleat all the works in one night :
the greatest difficulty would be to get cannon to Nutten
Island. It would be impossible to point out Either the
facilitys or difficultys in the course of a letter. The great-
est difficulty will be to keep it secret from the people of
New York. * * * * * if there was a lodgement with
some Guns upon Nutten Island * * * as soon as the
Batterys upon Nutten Island began to play there should
be some of the Connecticut men ready to run down upon
the Wharfs with some few guns ahead and astern with
grape to clear the decks and fire into the ports. Six Guns
would be sufficient upon Nutten Island and 12 pdrs would
be heavy enough. * * * * I imagine Lord Stirling
would be a very proper person to command the detach-
ment.* B. FRANKLIN.

•From the Lee Papers — New York Historical Society.

40

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

That the fortifications were finally completed we learn from
a letter written three months later by General Washington to
Lieutenant-General Charles Lee, as follows :

NEW YORK, May 9, 1776.
My DEAR LEE:

We have done a great deal of work at this place. In a
fortnight more I think the City will be in a very respect-
able posture of defense. * * * Governor's Island has a
large and strong work erected and a Regiment encamped
there. All the ships of war have left this place and gone
down to the Hook except the Asia * * * With compli-
ments to the gentlemen of my acquaintance with you and
with the most fervent wishes for your health and success,

I remain your most affectionate

G. WASHINGTON.

That the guns mounted on Governor's Island gave an ac-
count of themselves we learn from the journal of Lieut. -Colonel
Stephen Kemble* of H. M. 6oth Foot. He notes under date of
July 6, 1776, two months following Washington's statement,
that Governor's Island has a large and strong work — "Observe
the Rebels have fortified Governor's Island very strongly "-
and on July 12, 1776, that "About half after three in the After-
noon His Majesty's Ship Phcenix, commanded by Captain
Parker, and the Rose, by Captain Wallace, with the Tryal
Schooner and two Tenders got under sail to pass the Town of

New York.

*********

They received the whole of the Rebel fire from Red Hook,
Governor's Island, the Battery and from some Guns in the
Town. ***** At half past four the ships were past all
the Batteries. Number of Shots fired by the Rebels, 196.

* Stephen Kemble was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1740
he was commissioned an Ensign in H. M. 44th Regt. of Foot, and in 1765
a captain in the Royal Americans, H. M. 6oth Foot.

Colonel Kemble served under General Gage and Sir William Howe
later in Boston, and in 1779 joined the 6oth Foot in Jamaica.

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

In August Lord Stirling wrote:* "The General bids
me say that in our present situation Governor's Island is
more strong and better guarded than any other post in the
Army."

The obstructions between Governor's Island and the Bat-
tery mentioned in orders consisted of hulks sunk in the
Channel.

Cooperating with the defences at Governor's Island, which
in those days of short range might be almost considered as
outworks, were others in the City itself and it may surprise the
reader of today to know of their number in close proximity
to Governor's Island. General Washington had, very shortly
after July 4, 1776, a force of 20,000 men, poorly equipped,
armed and disciplined. They manned, among other works,
the following: Grand Battery (still called The Battery), 23
guns : Fort George, Bowling Green, 2 guns ; McDougall's
Battery, just west of Trinity Church, 4 guns; Grenadier's (or
Circular) Battery, north of this point, 5 guns; Jersey Battery,
near this, 5 guns ; Coenties' Battery on the East River, 5 guns ;
Waterbury's Battery, 7 guns; and at other points near by, all
within a small radius, Thompson's Battery, 9 guns; the Inde-
pendent Battery, on Centre Street and breastworks at Peck,
Beekman, Burling, Coenties and Old Slips, the Coffee House,
Exchange, Broad Street and others, besides Brooklyn Heights,
Red Hook, and a line of works from Fort Green at the Walla-
bout (now New York Navy Yard) to Gowanus Creek. There
was also a "barrier" or fortified line across the Island which
crossed the Bowery in the line of the present Grand Street.
This was begun in 1775 and strengthened by the British during
their occupation of the City, 1776-1783.

With this description may be compared a letter from Peter

* Fort Stirling was situated on Brooklyn Heights, near the present
Montagu Street. Lord Stirling, born in New York, was heir to a Scotch
title. He married the daughter of Philip Livingston. He was Colonel
of the ist New Jersey Regiment of Militia and after the Battle of Long
Island received the commission of Major General from the Continental
Congress.

43

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

Elting to Capt. Richard Varick under date of 3Oth July, 1776,
in which he says:

"You would be surprised to see what Number of Empty
houses there are in this place Verry few of the inhabitants
Remain in town that are not ingaged in the Service.
* * * * Great preparations are making here With Shiver
de freeses and Vessels to stop up the Channel & sundry
fire ships preparing two Brigs are Ready, something great
will Be attempted soon five or seven Rogallies are already
Come down from the Eastward * * * the fleet Remains
Verry Quiet But the men of the two menwar up the
River have a small brush Once in a While with our
Guards long the River."

The reader who needs a translation of some of the terms
used in this letter for the information of Captain Varick will
find it in the Memoirs of Major General William Heath, who
notes therein, on the next day after, August ist, that thirty
British sail have arrived at the Hook and that three or more
row-gallies have gone up the Hudson, and further, that in
bringing the hulks, cheveux de frise, &c., round from the
East River to the Hudson one sloop was sunk between Gover-
nor's Island and the Grand Battery.

General Putnam arrived in New York on April 4th, 1776,
and wrote to the President of Congress :

"After getting the works in such forwardness as will be
prudent to leave I propose immediately to take possession of
Governor's Island which I think a very important Post." The
works in June mounted four 32 and four 18 pdrs.

On April pth Colonel Silliman of Connecticut wrote to his
wife: "Last evening draughts were made from a number of
Regiments here, mine among the rest, to the number of 1000
men. With these and a proper number of officers Gen'l. Put-
nam at candle lighting embarked on Board of a number of
vessels with a large Number of intrenching tools and went
directly on * * * Nutten Island where they have been in-
trenching all night * * * and have got a good Breast work
there raised which will cover them from the fire of the Ships."

The "New York Gazette" announces that on "Monday night

43

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

looo Continental troops stationed here went over and took
possession of Governor's Island and began to fortify it."

General Putnam lived at this time in No. I, Broadway,
Bowling Green, in a house called the Kennedy House. Since
1643 only three houses have occupied this site. The present
one is called the Washington Building on account of the fact
that General Washington frequently visited the original Ken-
nedy House on the same site.

Col. Wm. Douglas in a letter to his wife, Northford, Conn.,
dated N. York Aug'st 31, 1776, says:

"We have evacuated Governor's Island where we have lost
some cannon. They fired smartly from Fort Stirling yester-
day at our boats passing from Governor's Island."

In thinking of an historical period far removed from our
own time one is apt to have in mind a general impression or
composite picture of the whole in which unknown details are
summoned up by the imagination to form a confused image
of the shadowy Past. This is unsatisfactory at best and in
order to make more clear to the reader the actual state of
affairs at this time in the history of our City and Island, when
Putnam and his men came over in all haste at candle lighting
to fortify against the British attack, an extract follows from
Lamb's History of New York. With its aid one seems to live
in the scenes of war preparation it so admirably illuminates.
"New York was one of the busiest spots on the Western Conti-
nent just now. Men were working night and day on the forts,
troops were coming in from all quarters of the compass in the
most picturesque and greatest variety of costume. The old
red coats used in the French War had been brought from the
garrets and turned to account in Connecticut. In juxtaposi-
tion with the tow colored frocks worn by her volunteers
appeared every now and then a dingy regimental of scarlet
with a tarnished three-cornered laced hat. Some of the Mary-
landers wore green hunting shirts with leggings to match.
Troops came from Delaware in dark blue coats with red fac-
ings. Some of the New Jersey riflemen were in short red
coats and striped trousers; others in short blue coats, old

44

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

leather breeches, light blue stockings, shoes with brass buckles
and wool hats bound with yellow. The Pennsylvania Regi-
ments were in all the colours of the rainbow — 'brown coats
faced with buff, blue coats faced with red, brown coats
faced with white and studded with great pewter buttons, buck-
skin breeches and black cocked hats with white tape bindings,
also blue coats faced with white. The Virginians wore white
smock-frocks furbelowed with ruffles at the neck, elbows and
wrist, black stocks, hair in queues and round-topped broad-
brimmed black hats. A little later the Light Dragoons were
uniformed in blue coats faced with red or in brown coats faced
with green.

The Washington Guards wore blue coats faced with buff,
red waist coats, buckskin breeches, black felt hats bound with
white tape and bayonets with belts of white. Hunting shirts,
the 'moral aversion of the Red-coat/ with breeches of the same
cloth as the shirts gaiter fashion about the legs were seen on
every side, and being convenient garments for campaigning
were soon adopted by the British themselves. This was the
origin of the modern trouser or pantaloon."

Of such composition was the force under General Putnam
busy in throwing up the breastworks on Governor's Island.
We can imagine the feverish haste of the day and night fortifi-
cation work, the clumsiness of the hunters, the lack of disci-
pline among the farmer boys, the fatigue of the volunteers
from the counting-house. We can well believe many brown
coats with their great pewter buttons were cast aside when the
pick and shovel were taken up and that three-cornered hats
and ruffles at the neck, elbows and wrist fared badly in the
trenches. These men 'had coats of many colours, but their
hearts were one for union and defence. Our admiration and
gratitude must be theirs as their heritage is ours.

We read further in Lamb's interesting account : "The scene
was like one vast bee hive. Soldiers and civilians ran hither
and thither in the performance of some exacting duty. Aside
from the numerous fortifications and batteries in and around
New York, on Governor's Island and Long Island, barricades

45

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

were thrown up in every street leading to the water, chiefly of
mahogany logs taken from West India cargoes. City Hall
Park was almost entirely enclosed. Broadway was obstructed
in front of St. Paul's Chapel, a barrier rose at the head of
Vesey Street, another at the head of Barclay, one at the head
of Murray Street, and many others — at Centre St., Frankfort
and Chatham Streets and an angular defence where the
Tribune Building now stands."

Trinity Church was the old Royalist Parish of 1696. The
citizens, accustomed as they were and had been for three-
quarters of a century to prayers in the Parish Church for the
King and Royal Family, demanded however that they should
now cease.

The Reverend Charles Inglis, the Rector, was insulted
wherever he went in the streets and finally his life was threat-
ened if he did not desist from using the liturgy according to
the text. To officiate publicly and abstain from the mention of
England's monarch in his supplications would be to violate
his oath and the dictates of his conscience. His embarrassment
was very great. One Sunday morning a company of 150
soldiers marched into the church with drums beating and pipes
playing and bayonets glistening on their loaded guns. The
congregation was panic stricken and women fainted.

It was supposed that if the Rector should read the collects
for the King and Royal Family he would be shot in the sacred
desk. But he went on boldly to the end, omitting no portion
of the service, and although there were restless and hostile
demonstrations he escaped injury.

In a private letter to Peter Van Schaack, 23d February,
1776, two months before General Putnam began the works on
Governor's Island, Frederick Rhinelander indicates the feel-
ing of alarm in the City due to the arrival of American troops
in force, when he says: "To see the vast number of houses
shut up one would think the City almost evacuated. Women
and children are scarcely seen in the streets."

In a note of the same period we read: "Friday, Sept. 13,

46

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

1776. In the afternoon some Men of War went up the East
River; the few cannons left fired on the ships which caused
that they fired back from Long Island and Governor's Island,
and very smartly."

This was shortly after the Battle of Long Island, August
27, 1776, the "day that though so full of sorrow for the Ameri-
cans, shed so little glory on British arms." Washington had
20,000 troops; Prescott's and Nixon's Regiments were sta-
tioned on Governor's Island. Lord Howe sailed up the Bay
and anchored near the Island, whereupon our troops withdrew
to the mainland, sustaining only one injury, a soldier wounded
as he was embarking, by a ball from the British man-of-war.

Thomas Jones, a staunch Tory, Justice of the Peace for the
Province, writes as follows: "Sept., 1776. The rebels in
their hurry upon leaving Long Island left the Garrison upon
Nutten Island (which they had strongly fortified) consisting
of 2,000 men, 40 pieces of heavy cannon, military stores and
provisions in abundance without the least means of quitting
the Island. The Royal Army consisted of near 30,000 men
****** yet no steps were taken to make prisoners of the
garrison and get possession of the forts, stores, artillery and
provisions.

In the evening of the same day (unaccountable as it is) a
detachment of the rebel Army went from New York to Nutten
Island with a number of boats and carried off the troops, the
stores, artillery and provisions. *

Had Lord Howe taken his fleet up the East River on the
day of the action upon Long Island and the River been lined
with the Ships from Governor's Island to Hellgate, "not a
rebel would have escaped from Long Island. But this was
not done, and why it was not done, let the brothers Howe tell."

A more detailed account of this action is found in a con-
temporary note by a Royalist: "In the evening of the 27th of
August the army (British) encamped in front of the enemy's
works. On the 28th at night they broke ground 600 yards
from a redoubt upon their left and on the 29th at night the
Rebels evacuated their intrenchments and Red Hook (Brook-

47

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

lyn opposite Governor's Island) with the utmost silence and
quitted Governor's Island the following evening, leaving their
cannon and a quantity of stores in the works.

At daybreak on the 3Oth their flight was discovered. The
piquets of the line took possession and those most advanced
reached the shore opposite New York as their rear guard was
going over and fired some shot among them.

Admiral Howe at this time sent up four ships which an-
chored about two miles below the Island and kept up a most
tremendous fire against the rebel fortifications there."

Cannon balls are frequently dug up on the Island, as in
making the foundations for the new Chapel in 1905, in laying
the water mains across the parade and in digging trenches
for telephone cables. In fact, digging of any considerable
amount always discloses old cannon balls which are be-
lieved to be, or some of them at least, from this bombardment.

The British forces under General Howe and Admiral Howe
seized Governor's Island shortly after this and occupied it until
the evacuation of New York in 1783.

The Battle of Long Island occurred on August 27th. Wash-
ington called a Council of War on September I2th, which de-
cided to evacuate the City. On September isth the British
occupied the City. "Once more," says Jenkins in "The Great-
est Street in the World," "the banner of Great Britain flew
over the ramparts of the Fort, while the parade was trodden by
men in the red coats of the English, the kilts of the Highlanders
and the green coats of General Gage's men. * * * * They all
departed forever on November 25th, 1783, when the American
Army of occupation resumed possession of the City and Fort
and flung its starry banner to the breeze." Botta, writing of
the action of the retreat after the Battle of Long Island, says :
"Whoever will attend to all the details of this retreat will
easily believe that no military operation was ever conducted
with more ability or prudence." He might have added that
arms, ammunition and stores were never taken away from
their victorious captors by the defeated with more skill and
impudence.

48

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

The American forces at this time were not able to hold New
York, as the following letter from the highest authority indi-
cates:

8th September, 1776.

That the enemy mean to winter in New York, there can
be no doubt; that they can drive us out is equally clear.
Nothing seems to remain but to determine the time of
their taking possession. G. WASHINGTON.

Whereupon Congress resolved that the President should
inform General Washington it was by no means the sense of
Congress in their resolves of the 3rd instant respecting New
York that the Army or any part of it should remain in that
City a moment longer than he should consider proper.

Governor's Island remained in the possession of the British
troops, who fortified it heavily, from 1776 until the restoration
of peace in 1783.

The following extracts from "Revolutionary Papers" (New
York Historical Society) throw light upon the activities of the
British during their occupation of Governor's Island.

In 1779, Gen'l. Patterson, the English Commandant, wrote
to the Lord Townshend that "he is repairing the ruined forti-
fications and batteries erected by the Rebels on Governor's
Island. We secured by public appeal the services of 500 citi-
zens, a great many of them merchants and shopkeepers, who
with great cheerfulness labored at the fortifications and would
accept no pay. Those who required pay received ten shillings
and rations per day."

We have little information regarding the period of occupa-
tion by the British. The following letters and orders are of
interest and value in throwing light upon this era of the
Island's history:

To ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT:

Major General Pattison presents his Compliments to
Admiral Arbuthnot and is justly sensible of his kind dis-
position to contribute to the Comfort of the Army and
* the Sick of the Troops will be removed to
Governor's Island to-morrow.

New York, Sept. i, 1779.

49

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Aii order of Sept. 29, 1779, directs that by orders of Major
General Pattison a "daily allowance of provisions, Rum and
Spruce Beer be issued to 300 laborers employed on the King's
works on Governor's Island and that tents, blankets, camp
kettles, fuel and boats be ready at 6 o'clock in the morning at
White Hall."

To MAJOR ANDRE

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 1779.
SIR:

I am directed by Major Gen'l. Pattison to acquaint you
that * * he has deferred giving orders for removing
Lieut. Col. Buskirk's Battalion to Governor's Island
till His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief's Pleasure
shall be known. * * * * As there are 150 of Lowes-
berg's Regiment returning from sea, * * * the greater
part of Buskirk's Battalion might be sent to Governor's
Island.

Gen'l. Pattison therefore requests that you will take
His Excellency's Commands. I am, etc.

Major Andre STEP. P. AYDE,

A. D. C.

To CAPTAIN MERCER,

NEW YORK, December 2, 1779.
SIR: —

I am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to
you that it is indispensably necessary that Guard should
be on Governor's Island for the protection of the Bastions,
etc., the Guns being at present exposed to be spiked every
night. He desires that a Guard Room sufficient to contain
20 men may be erected there and that you will inform him
when it is ready.

I have, etc.

Capt. Mercer S. P. A.

Com'dg. Eng'r. (STEP. P. AYDE)

As a state of alarm among the British is disclosed in the
foregoing order of 1779, so the dawn of peace is suggested in
the following report from General Heath :

50

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

HEADQUARTERS
CONTINENTAL VILLAGE, Sept. 23rd, 1781.

To GOVERNOR CLINTON,
SIR:—

I am honoured by yours of the 22d. * * * * An
account from Long Island says a 74 gun ship was taken
and that three were dismasted. The greatest part of the
troops with Governor Clinton are embarked.

All the heavy cannon both of the Grand Battery and of
Governor's Island have been taken on board the ships.

W. HEATH,

Major General.

There are few records known to exist during the intervening
years relative to Governor's Island. The war ceased in 1783
and from the Clinton MSS. the following orders are taken:

Amphion, off New York,
25th November 1783.

GOVERNOR CLINTON.
SIR: —

I have given orders that all the Buildings now re-
maining upon Governor's Island shall be left untouched,
whenever I am able to leave. I am, sir, your most

Obed't humble servt.

(Admiral) ROB'T. DIGBY

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND,
Dec. 3rd. 1783.

7 A. M.
SIR: —

Having received orders from Rear Admiral Digby to
withdraw the Guard together with the whole Naval Hos-
pital from this Island I acquaint you Excellency that at
the hour of eleven A. M. this day the Guard together with
the Naval Hospital will be withdrawn from the Island.

I am also desired to inform your Excellency that the
only property disposed of belonging to Government on
Governor's Island are the hulls of two Brigantines hauled
up on each side of the wharf.

I shall do myself the honour to inclose for your Excel-

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

lency's better information a list of the different buildings
regularly numbered with the keys to the person you shall
think it fit to take charge of them from Lieutenant Gra-
ham.

I have the honour to be your Excellency's most obed't
and most humble serv't

JAMES DUNCAN,
Capt. in the Navy etc.
To His Excellency

GOVERNOR CLINTON etc. etc.
State of New York.

The descriptive list includes among other buildings, etc.,
a Captain's and Lieutenant's Barracks and Kitchens, a guard
house, a convalescent hospital, a barn, a gardener's house, all
of which have long since disappeared.*

With the close of the Revolution in 1783 the American com-
mand was reestablished on Governor's Island and the British
works were occupied. That the young Republic was mindful
of its dignity is shown by an order from the President through
the Secretary of War dated Nov. 18, 1794, stating that the
Secretary of War Knox informs the Officer Commanding upon
Governor's Island that the Minister of the French Republic
has represented that the French frigate "Semillante" had
saluted the flag with fifteen guns and that the fort had not re-
plied and that the President of the United States wishes the
Commanding Officer immediately to fix a time when he would
fire the Federal Salute of Fifteen guns.

On April 19, 1795, Alex. Thompson, Capt. Corps, of Ar-
tillerists and Engineers respectfully reports to Governor
Clinton that the French man-of-war has left the North River
and that at this time the fifteen gun salute was duly delivered
from the battery which he commands on the Island.

Another bit of correspondence on the subject of Salutes is
interesting to compare with our modern telegraph-telephone-
quick-order-fixed-ammunition methods.

* This guard house is probably the one mentioned in Major General
Pattison's Orders (p. 50), as that was evidently of hasty construction.
The Convalescent Hospital was part of the British Naval Hospital
(v. p. 51).

52

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND,

Oct. n, 1794.
To His EXCELLENCY.

SIR:

Yesterday morning Admiral Murra sent a Lieutenant
to this Island to learn from me as a commanding officer
whether it would be proper or whether it had been custom-
ary to salute the Flag of the United States at such a dis-
tance and what number of guns would be given. In an-
swer to his salute, I informed the Lieutenant that the
Admiral lay at such a Distance I thought it Improper to
Salute, but should it so happen that the Admiral did Come
I 'p within i mile in a S. Direction of this Island accord-
ing to Your Excellency's orders, I should Return his
Salute. But as to Stipulate for the No. of Guns it was
out of my power, But that our Natl. Salute was 13 at
present.

Agreeable to your Excellency's Orders sometime ago,
I shall attend to Returning the Salute should the Admiral
Come Up. Your Excellence will please to understand
that Admiral Murra lays at the watering place so called
here Staten Island.

I am Yours Excellency's

Most Obt. and Humble servt.
CORNS. R. SEDAM,*

Captain ist Sub Legion.

On February 28, 1794, the Committee of the House of Con-
gress directed to report on such Harbour forts as required to
be put in a proper state of defence made a report in relation
to Governor's Island stating that the expense of constructing
batteries, embrasures and platforms for 24 pieces was $1727.52;

* Spelled also "Suydam" (Heitman). The Legion of the United States
was organized March 5, 1792, and comprised Infantry, Dragoons and
Artillery. It consisted of four Sub Legions, each commanded by a Lt.
Colonel. The ist Infantry (1784) formed part of the First Sub Legion.
Nov. i, 1796, the Legion was disbanded, the Infantry of the ist, zd, 3rd and
4th Sub Legions becoming respectively the ist, ad, 3rd and 4th Regiments
of Infantry. Two companies of Light Dragoons were also formed from
The Legion. The uniform of the ist Sub Legion was white binding upon
their caps, with white plumes and black hair.

53

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

a redoubt for embrasures, $810; a magazine, $200; a block
house or barracks, $500.

On March 26, 1794, Congress appropriated for fortifications
on Governor's Island $150,000.

This expenditure was under the direction of George Clinton,
Mathew Clarkson, James Watson, Rich'd Varick, Nicholas
Fish, Ebenezer Stevens and A. Hammond.

A further sum of $100,000 was appropriated on April 6,
1795, to complete the works on Governor's and Ellis' Islands.

In 1797 $30,117 were appropriated for the Fort now known
as Fort Jay. Such was the fear of French invasion that the
Professors and Students of Columbia College came to the
Island and worked with shovels and barrows to complete the
work. The Garrison at this time consisted of one Major, one
Captain, one Surgeon, two ist Lieutenants, one cadet, three
Sergeants, one corporal, four musicians, five artificers and 34
privates.

It was not alone at this period that Columbia College showed
its practical patriotism. Again, in the war of 1812, the students
assembled on Sept. 8, 1814, and worked at the fort in Harlem,
going to that then distant part of the City by steamboat.

In 1799 $30,116 were appropriated for the work; in 1800
$20,124; in 1801 $10,338.

The Secretary of War had reported to Congress in 1794
that one bastion commanding two low batteries had been under-
taken but that the works, being only sodded, would not last
long. Later, in 1796, January 18, he reported that Gover-
nor's Island had been fortified with an earthen fort of two
bastions partly lined with brick masonry, two air furnaces, a
large powder magazine and barracks.

From 1794-1797 Quarantine was located here.

The building of Castle Williams, and especially of Fort Jay,
which was forty years in construction (1794-1833) and had
many periods, is difficult to describe smoothly in connection
with other events and the reader's indulgence is asked for such
lack of sequence or repetition as he may observe.

In 1801 Fort Jay had a "handsome gateway with a corps de

54

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ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

garde drawbridge." In connection with this gateway there is a
pretty legend which, though persistent, cannot be verified as to
time or person. The story is that a prisoner who was a stone-
cutter by trade was detailed to make the fine carving which
adorns the gateway. During the progress of the work one
day the commanding officer's little daughter stood under the
gateway with the stonecutter who was inspecting his work
from below. Just then a heavy block of stone or a stone
cannon ball fell and would have killed the child, but the
prisoner, too late to pull her aside, interposed his own body
and saved her life with serious injury to himself. His re-
ward for the gallant act was pardon. If the story cannot be
proved, neither can it be disproved, and it has been told long
enough to entitle it to a respectful hearing and a willing accept-
ance.

In the centre of the Fort Jay of 1801 was a square block-
house of timber two stories high, but probably not cannon-
proof, with a well under it. This is probably the block house
for which Congress appropriated $500 in 1794. As for the
well, as late as 1905 the remains of the superstructure of the
pump remained in situ, requiring everyone who crossed the
quadrangle to make a detour. It has lately been removed, but
its situation in the crosswalks is plainly indicated. No further
improvements were made till 1806, when Fort Jay was de-
molished, except the walled counterscarp, the gate, sally port,
magazine and two barracks. All the rest of the works was
removed to allow of more durable material to be used in con-
struction.

On the site of old Fort Jay was erected a new Fort with the
name changed to Fort Columbus, which name was retained
until 1904 when by orders of the War Department it was
re-named Fort Jay. The new fortification consisted of an en-
closed pentagonal work with four bastions of masonry to hold
loo guns. On three of its sides it was built the same as Fort
Jay the elder with the addition of 14 feet on each side ; and on
the north wall of a ravelin with two retired casemated flanks.
Guns to command the (dry) moat were located here. Their

55

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

casemates are now bricked up. The minutes of the Military
and Philosophical Society of West Point (1808) state that two
detached batteries were built about this period, one mounting
four 18 pdrs. and one 8 in. French mortar, with platforms for
four others; and the other, ten pieces, 18 and 24 pdrs. The
parapet had 52 embrasures and it would take 1,000 men to man
the parapet. This work was completed in 1809.

Castle Williams was begun in 1807 and completed in 1811,
as the crumbling dates in the stone over the gateway set forth.
It was designed and built by Lieut. -Colonel Jonathan Williams,
Engineer Corps. The material of the castle is Newark red
sandstone. It rests on a bed of rock at the extreme north-
westernly point of the Island. In form it is 3/5 of a circle,
200 feet in diameter. The walls are 40 feet in height, case-
mated with bomb-proof arches for 2 tiers of guns. Guns were
also mounted upon the top, to which access was had by two in-
terior stone turret staircases. The walls are 8 feet thick on the
lower tier and seven feet on the upper tier. It had on each
side of the gate on the inside a stone building. One of these
was used for a powder magazine and one for solitary con-
finement at some period. There is a walk for sentry duty in
the thickness of the wall over the main gate and a picturesque
stone sentry box at the angle.

The stone buildings referred to here have been taken down
(1912-13) and the material is being used for the building of a
two-story structure on the same site. The lower story contains
a guard house and the upper story rooms for court martial
and other purposes. It is an admirable re-arrangement, giv-
ing at once much needed facilities for garrison administration
and increasing the military appearance of the interior court of
the Castle.

For many years Castle Williams has been used as a military
prison. During the Civil War it is said 1500 prisoners were
confined in the Castle at one time. All the tiers were used for
the prisoners and a large cooking house was erected in the
middle of the court. A stockade was built in front of the gate
and strongly guarded. The reveille gun and saluting battery

56

ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

arc mounted on the top of the castle and a fog bell and siren
are a part of its equipment.

A passageway connected the Castle with the main fort in the
middle of the Island. Its remains arc clearly visible to-day.
What is left of the way extends from the Fort to the Post
Hospital. The rest of it was destroyed evidently to make way
for modern constructions on the northern edge of the Island.
A large tree has grown up in this passage.

The question as to the name of the Castle frequently arising,
it may be of interest to quote the order on the subject:

IST INDORSEMENT.
1111709

WAR DEPARTMENT,

THE MILITARY SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON, March 20, 1906.

In a letter dated New York, November 27, 1810, ad»
dressed to the Secretary of War, Colonel Jonathan Wil-
liams of the Corps of Engineers says : "I take the earliest
opportunity of expressing my gratitude for the high
honour conferred upon me by adding my name to the
Castle I erected on the west point of Governor's Island in
this harbor."

Accompanying the letter referred to above is a copy of
an order dated Fort Columbus, 24 November, 1810, issued
by Colonel Henry Burbeck, commanding Harbor New
York, which directs that "In future the stone tower on
this Island Cby the approbation of the Secretary of War)
will bear the name of Castle Williams, in honor of the
commandant of the United States Corps of Engineers who
designed and erected it."

E. F. LADD,
Military Secretary.

The earliest designation of the Castle seems to have been
"The Tower," as in the order above quoted and also in the
following, issued a year later:

57

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Orders: FORT COLUMBUS

7th Deer, 1811.

********

The practice of landing and leaving boats at the Tower
is improper. In addition to violation of orders, it gives
a facility to desertion : boats therefore of any description
are prohibited landing at or near Castle Williams.

********

By order of COL. BURBECK.

C. VAN DEVENTER,
Lieut, and Acting Adjutant.

The S. W. Battery, built at the lower end of Manhattan by
Colonel Jonathan Williams, was called Castle Clinton after
May, 1812, and in 1823 its name was changed to Castle
Garden. The North Battery was thrown up at the foot of
Hubert Street, and Fort Gansevort at the foot of Gansevort
Street, while on the Staten Island shore were Forts Rich-
mond, Tompkins and Hudson. Opposite was Fort Diamond
(now Fort Lafayette). These four forts mounted about 500
guns.

Other early military defences near Governor's Island were
Half Moon batteries at Coenties Slip and at the water gate of
Wall Street, now occupied by the Q. M. Dept. pier.

There were also defences in those days along Wall Street
and a curtain at the land gate, where Trinity Church was
built in 1697. These fortifications were mounted with the
miniature guns of the period, known as demi-culverins,
sakers and minions.

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CHAPTER III.
PERIOD OF THE WAR OF 1812.

The "Second War of American Independence" found us
with an army of 10,000 men, maximum limit, composed of 46
regiments of infantry, 4 rifle regiments, an artillery corps, a
regiment of light artillery and of dragoons and an engineer
department. It is interesting to notice that the Infantry regi-
ments were to be recruited each from the State or district
assigned. The districts were numbered, however, not named.
The farthest west were the "territories of Indiana, Michigan,
Illinois and Missouri." The district in which Governor's
Island was situated was designated as "New York from the
sea to the Highlands of New Jersey except that part of the
state which furnishes the ist division of Militia."

From an old Garrison Order book of 1810-11 are taken the
few extracts following, some of which may be considered ap-
propriate to a chapter on the War of 1812 as disclosing pre-
parations for the War. Others are interesting as reminding
us of the fact that human nature and Garrison conditions pre-
sent the same difficulties in one century as in another. Colonel
Burbeck, who assumed command of all the troops in New
York Harbour in 1810, shows an earnest desire in his orders
to preserve order and to promote discipline in every way.

This book of orders is almost pathetic in its simplicity. It
consists of a number of sheets of paper, yellow-brown with
age, tied together with red tape of the pattern used today,
though faded to a lighter shade. The penmanship is uniformly
excellent and abounds in the graceful flourishes characteristic
of the period.

They are all signed Justus, Post Adjt, except one signed by
Lt Van De Venter, Actg Adjt and one of 1812 by Amos Stod-
dard, Majr Comdg. .

Colonel Burbeck had served in General Knox's Regiment,
Continental Artillery and other Regiments from 1775 to 1789,

59

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

and in the Artillery and Engineers to 1798. Lieut. Chris-
topher Van De Venter entered the U. S. Military Academy
from New York in 1808, and Major Stoddard, Major ist Ar-
tillery March, 1812, died in 1813 of wounds received at the
siege of Fort Meigs, Ohio.

We learn from the pages of this book that Colonel Burbeck
assumed command of all the troops in the Harbour of New
York on the I7th August, 1810, and issued, among other
orders from Fort Columbus, several showing the activity of
fortification construction work. In the first Garrison order
issued, 26th August, 1910, occurs the following: * * *

"All's Well" will be called out every quarter of an hour
from Tattoo till day light, beginning at No. I at guard house.
All the other sentinels will observe to answer the call in rota-
tion, * * * in doing which they will observe to turn their
faces towards the guard house that they may be the more
distinctly heard by the Sergt. or Corporal of the guard who
will pay particular attention that it be repeated all round."

This order, dated Fort Columbus, is signed "Justus Post
Adjt."

Another order of the same month forbids all officers, non-
commissioned officers, soldiers, citizens and all other persons
of every description from getting upon the parapet, and also
directs the Adjutant to sign the returns for the extra Liquor
served the fatigue men employed upon the public works. On
Sept. 3d it was ordered that only those prisoners confined in
the guard house who had been sentenced to hard labour would
be indulged in the privilege of their ration of liquor, but that
rations retained would be left in store and the amount thereof
appropriated to furnish articles of nourishment for the sick
of the Garrison. An order of 1811 forbids the landing of
rum, brandy, gin, spirits, cordial or ardent spirits of any kind
except for the use of the officers of the Garrison and the ration
liquor furnished by the Contractor. Another states that "as
the smoaking of pipes or segars in the open air is both danger-
ous and indecorous," it is strictly forbidden (except in quar-
ters) at any post in the Harbour.

60

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

Still another one, regretting that "some of the soldiers of
this Garrison had so far abandoned the strict principles of
honour as to bear the stigma of a black eye or a bruised face/'
states that those thus disqualified will not be permitted to ap-
pear on parade or to mount their guard, but will be obliged to
make up all omitted tours of guard upon the cessation of such
disqualification. The commanding officers of Garrisons and
Companies are ordered (August 5, 1811) never to suffer more
than two men to be absent in one day on pass or furlough.

On a military map of the Island made in 1857 cowsheds are
shown, but an order of this period dated 4th October, 1810, by
Colonel Burbeck directs that "Swine being considered a nui-
sance to a Garrison and improper animals to range or be
harbored, after those which now belong here shall have been
disposed of, none will be suffered to be landed or kept upon
the Island.

The extracts from this Garrison order book will close with
one upon a more serious subject.

*******

Garrison Orders.

FORT COLUMBUS,

23d Novr., 1810.

The sixteen gun Battery being now completed it will be
appropriated to the particular use of firing salutes and the
old Guard will hereafter be considered the party to per-
form that duty : * * under the immediate direction of
Sergt Campbell. No one except the non-commissioned
officers will go into the Magazine and those will be careful
when they enter it to leave their shoes without the door.

Of the period of 1812 on Governor's Island we learn many
interesting details through the courtesy of (the late) Brig.
( K- nl. T. F. Rodenbough, who has allowed the author to quote
from the original MSS. Garrison order book of 1814-15. This
book, formerly the property of General Harvey Brown, was
presented to the Military Service Institution by Miss Emily

* See also order issued the following day (plate, p. 65).

61

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Brown. No better idea of the social manners and military
usages of that day could be given than by a few of the quota-
tions from this voluminous official record, which the author
has the pleasure of doing. These orders are written in a clear,
beautiful hand, with a quill pen, and show a careful style of
literary composition sadly lacking in these clays of typewriting
haste.

It may be of interest in this connection to quote the Regula-
tion concerning stationery for the Army issued (May 2, 1814)
at this time :

To a Major General as much stationery as necessary for the
discharge of his public duties. To other General officers
24 quires of paper per annum.

To a Major 6 quires of paper and i blank book per annum.
For the use of every other commanding officer 2 quires per
annum and a proportion of other stationery at the rate of 50
quills, as many wafers and a paper of ink powder to each
6 quires.

The orders include a large number of court martial cases
with charges of desertion, absence without leave and disobedi-
ence of orders. The sentences on the whole appear lenient,
the various courts evidently being actuated by a desire to
temper justice with mercy. Others are of necessity severe,
as became a state of war.

A few examples are given, as throwing light on the prac-
tices of the day :

FORT COLUMBUS, May 10, 1814.
Garrison Orders.

********

At a Garrison Court Martial whereof Lieut. Bailey was
President, convened on the 9th inst, was tried the fol-
lowing offender, , a private in Captn Swett's

Company, charged with neglect of duty in leaving his
post, stealing whiskey and getting two of his guard drunk
while on post on the morning of the 2d May, 1814, to
which charge the prisoner pleaded not guilty. The court
found the prisoner guilty of the charge and sentenced him

62

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

to be confined four days in the Black Hole* and to be
drummed off the Island.

The same court found a private in Captn

Humphrey's Company guilty of suffering a patroling
party to pass into the South Battery without demanding
the countersign, being himself a sentry at the gate, and of
making use of abusive language to the Sergeant of the
Guard, and sentenced him to be confined three days in the
Black Hole on bread and water and to have his whiskey
stopped 30 days.

********

Apropos of the stoppage of whiskey imposed in this and
other sentences, it may be mentioned that on Dec. 8, 1830, the
issue of whiskey was by G. O. commutated for cash and on
Nov. 5, 1832, this money allowance for whiskey was converted

into a coffee or ration allowance.

********

The Black Hole referred to in the orders of 1814 is believed
from indirect references in other parts of this order book to
have been in the present Post Headquarters Building (1913).
An order of Jan. 8, 1815, orders the officer of Police to have
the window of the Black Hole stopped up and well secured

that Private may begin his 10 days' solitary

confinement therein.

A sentence which would be considered to day "unusual," if
not "cruel," is seen in the following order:

Garrison Orders.

FORT COLUMBUS, Aug. 13, 1814.

********

A Garrison Court Martial will convene this morning at
10 o'clock A. M. for the trial of such prisoners as may be
brought before it. Captn Bennete will preside. The
court being duly sworn in the presence of the Prisoners

proceeded to the trial of , a private in Captn

Swett's Company of Artillery. Charge, theft; spcfn.,
stealing a watch from Private Bernard. Plea, guilty.
The court sentenced him to be drummed once up and
down the Parade with the rogues' march, with his coat
turned and the word THIEF written thereon in large

*V. Addend am, page 175.

63

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

letters : further, that he stand within view of the evening
parade each day for one week with his coat in the same
manner, except when on guard duty, and to have his
whiskey stopped for one month.

Another order of this character is noted under date of

Jan. 19, 1815, according to which Corporal is to be

"reduced to the ranks at guard mounting when his knot will be
taken from his shoulder on parade in front of the Battalion;"
and Mary of Captain Watson's Company was con-
victed of conveying whiskey to a Sentinel on post, whereupon
the court sentenced her "to be drummed off the Island im-
mediately after guard mounting and never to be suffered to
return."

Another order of the same period orders that Corporal

shall have his knot cut from his shoulders by the

smallest drummer in the Battalion.

An Execution Order follows;

********
Garrison Orders :

FT. COLUMBUS, July 7, 1814.

The Troops on Governor's Island will parade tomorrow
morning at half past n o'clock on the Grand Parade for
the purpose of witnessing the execution of the prisoner
sentenced by a Gen'l order of the 2d inst. to be shot to
death. The Troops will form three sides of a square, the
Artillery will form the right : left flank the Infty ; the rear,
the execution party consisting of a Sergeant and 12 pri-
vates which will parade at half past n o'clock, and be
placed under the command of Lieut. Farley, Provost
Marshal.

The guards of the advanced posts will leave their
entries at their respective posts and will repair to the
Parade at half past n o'clock, those under charge of the
Provost Marshal will join the execution party for the
purpose of escorting the Prisoner to the place of execu-
tion. The execution party in Divisions preceded by the
music with the Provost Marshal at their head will march
in front of the Prisoner, the music playing the Dead*

* The dirge played at the military executions of this period was "Roslyn
Castle," with muffled drums.

64

•

3
>*•

v

! ^ I

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

March : the guards formed in divisions will march in rear
of the Prisoner. The procession will enter the Square
from the rear, face ten paces from the coffin placed in the
center upon which the Prisoner kneels. By a signal from
the Provost Marshal the music ceases, the signal to fire is
then given to the execution party.

By order of

M. SWETT, Com'g.

A pleasing incident of pax inter bellum is discovered in an
Artillery order of Jan. I, 1815, when Mars unbends for the
moment and in the presence of the ladies of the "Stocking,
Hood and Mockason Society" removes his helmet and becomes
amenable to the softening influence of woman's sympathy.
The courtesies of the day are well illustrated in the charming
reply of the gallant commanding officer.

Artillery orders. FORT COLUMBUS, Jan. i, 1815.

********

Lieut. Col. House has received the following communi-
cation from the ladies of the "Stocking, Hood and
Mockason Society of New York," accompanied with 46
Hoods and 46 prs. of mittens to be presented to the Sol-
diers and Sentinels on duty at the several Artillery posts
under his command :

NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 1814.

"SiR:

(After reciting the action of the Society)

The Society regrets that the present state of their funds
does not enable them to do more for those whose claims
are strengthened by every consideration of Patriotism and
Gratitude.

By order of the Board of Managers.

COL. HOUSE. N. D. S. B RADISH, Sec.

"This Humane and pleasing attention to the wants and
privations of the Soldier from a Body of the most respect-
able Ladies of New York cannot fail to excite in the minds
of every individual the most grateful sensation, and to
animate in his bosom a peculiar ardour and zeal in the
performance of his duty. I am honored, madam, with

65

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

your letter of the 3Oth ult. with 46 Hoods and 46 prs. of
mittens. I beg leave, madam, to assure you that this
flatering attention to the wants and privations of the Sol-
dier from so respectable a Body of Ladies cannot fail to
animate every bosom with a degree of Chivalrick ardour
when it is recollected that the service in which they are
engaged is the defence of the City of their amiable and
virtuous patronesses. Accept, madam, for yourself and
the Society the assurances of respect with which I have
the honor to be,

Yr. most obt. Servt.

JAS. HOUSE, Lieut. Col. Arty.

A few extracts typical of the rest follow from the Garrison
Order Book:

Garrison Orders. FORT COLUMBUS, July I5th, 1815.
********

Parole — Europe.
C. Sign — American.

Officer for the day — Capt. Howell.
Officer for the guard — Lieut. Berier.

The Parole and Countersign will in future be com-
municated to the officers of the Guard Mounting con-
formable to an antient practice.

Garrison Orders. FORT COLUMBUS, Aug. 8, 1815.

3|C 3JC 5|C 3J» 3j» 5JC IfC 3)S

Parole — Galatin.
Csign — Bayard.

Officer for the day tomorrow — Lieut. Davis.
General's Guard from Capt. Richard's Company.

Corporal Snarts, privates Mandaville, Plunkett and
Bond of Major Hall's Company, and Texton, Holt and
Spencer of Captain Howell's Company are detailed for
Col. House's boat, and to report on daily duty until fur-
ther orders.

By Order,

CHAS. ANTHONY,
Adjt.

66

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

Garrison Orders. FORT COLUMBUS,

9th Sept. 1815.
********

For the preservation and better regulation of the boats
belonging to the Island, those for use are appointed as
follows : The boats formerly in the use of Lt. Col. House,
Major Hall and Adjutant Anthony and the yellow oared
barge are assigned to the use of the Corps or Artillery at
this post, to be turned over to and distributed by Lieut.
Col. House. For the use of the Infantry are assigned the
Green six-oared barge, the whale boat and the seven-
oared barges which are to be turned over to and distrib-
uted by Lt. Col. Swetting. The 4-oared Green boat is
reserved for the Gen. Hospital. No. 12-oared barge
known by the name of Genls. Barge and the 6-oared
Green boat are reserved for the use of the Commandant.
No interference is to be made by either Corps with the
boats assigned to the other. * * * * *

Another Order relating to transportation is extracted as
follows :

Garrison Orders. FT. COLUMBUS,

May 6, 1815.
* * * * * * * *

The licensed ferry Boats will be governed by the fol-
lowing Regulations: Neither shore to be left destitute
of a ferry Boat for more than twenty minutes between
the rising and" setting of the Sun. * * Where one Boat
starts from one shore, leaving no Boat there, another Boat
starts at the same moment from the opposite shore,
whether with or without a passenger. * * *

JAS. HOUSE,

Lt. Col. Artillery.
Comdg.

Orders for Sept. 15, 1815, show the retention of the old

English name for Mess call.

Sept. 15, 1815.
********

Parole— Wolf.
Csign — Montgomery.

Troop will be beat at 8 A. M.

Roast beef at half past 12.

67

HISTORY OP GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

The War of 1812 followed shortly upon the building of the
Castle. Governor Daniel D. Tompkins reports as follows:

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 1810.

Fort Columbus on Governor's Island is finished and
capable of mounting 104 guns, of which 50 are already on
the parapets. This is a regular erected work of masonry
with a ditch, counterscarp, covert way and glacis capable
of resisting a long siege.

Two tiers and platforms in the Castle are finished, each
capable of receiving 26 guns. Eleven French 36 pdrs.
are already mounted. The whole armament of the
Castle when completed may be stated as 100 guns, includ-
ing the terrace on the top.

The following Report is valuable as referring to a fort on
Buttermilk Channel. This was probably situated at or near
the present South Battery. It is not known when it was
demolished, but probably at the time of building South Bat-
tery. It is indeed possible that South Battery is an enlarge-
ment of the fort of 1812.

NEW YORK, March 15, 1813.

Fort Columbus, Castle Williams, and a fort to guard
the pass at Buttermilk Channel, all upon Governor's
Island, are completed and equipped with everything need-
ful for action. * * * * There is an abundant supply of
cannon balls on Governor's Island, 27,000 blank cannon
cartridges, six travelling forges and a number of grates
for heating shot.

At this time considerable alarm was felt by the inhabitants
of the City at a report that the troops stationed on Governor's
Island had been ordered to the Northern frontier.

The "National Advocate" in its issue of August 3Oth, 1812,
allayed the natural fears of the people in saying: "We are
authorized to state that no troops stationed on Governor's
Island have proceeded or are ordered to proceed to the North.
The rumour that such an order is to be given is false and
groundless."

68

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

Apropos of the importance of troops in the Harbour of New
York, not only in popular feeling hut also in the judgment of
the War Department, a brief extract may be quoted from the
autobiography of Major Joseph Dclafield, 46th U. S. Infantry
(Lieut-Colonel Wm. S. Tallmadgc commanding), who was
commissioned April 15, 1814: "The term of service being
about to expire and Majr Tallmadgc & myself being desirous
to remain in the Army and to seek some more active service
concerted a plan to form a new regiment, to select our officers
from the Volunteer regiment and upon the strength of our
recruits and the experience of our officers to ask for their com-
missions. These arrangements being made Majr Tallmadge
and myself proceeded to Washington and presented our scheme
to the Secretary of War (Genl. Armstrong). At this time an
Act of Congress authorized the addition of five regiments to
the Hue of the Army. We were given one of the new regiments,
Major Tallmadge to be Lieut. Col : Captains Par Lee and my-
self Majors and the Company officers all in compliance with
our scheme of selection and commissions were given accord-
ingly. We began to recruit with activity and soon had be-
tween two & three hundred men; and as the most of us had
been confined to the harbor defense and were desirous of more
active service we established our headquarters at Pokeepsie,
which district was beyond the command of the officer com-
manding in N. York. Being in charge of the recruiting ser-
vice my orders were to prepare the men as rapidly as possible
to march North to join the Army on the Canada frontier. Our
recruiting district embraced the State of New York. The
enemy however continued to threaten attacks along the coast,
and the alarm for the safety of the city was so great that all
the available forces were collected in the harbor and orders
were obtained from Washington to bring our detachment to
the harbor. We joined the garrison on Governor's Island and
there remained until the close of the War."

In the Summer of 1814 there were over 1000 officers and
men in the Garrison and great activity was displayed in pre-
paration for actual war, as the following order indicates :

69

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

Garrison Orders.

FORT COLUMBUS, Aug. 28, 1814.

* * * * * * * *

The Artillery and Infantry will be drilled at the Battery
on Governors' Island every Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday from 5 to 6:30 A. M. commencing at Fort Colum-
bus, taking the guns in course through all the batteries.
The commanding officers of companies will cause their
companies to be drilled with muskets every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday at the same hours. All officers
are punctually to attend drills.

Sgt. Dillahunty will drill the non-commissioned officers
of Artillery from 9 130 to 1 1 until further orders.

At the sound of the alarm by the bugle the troops will
turn out on their company parade. The Infantry will be
conducted by their Senior officers to the covert way of the
ditch of Fort Columbus as its proper alarm post, and the
Artillery will be conducted by companies to their bat-
teries. The conductor of Artillery aided by the Q. M.
Sergeant and Powder Monkeys will furnish implements
and ammunition and arrange them at the batteries.

By order,

CHAS. ANTHONY,
Adjutant Corps Artillery.

The Island served a valuable purpose during this war as a
basis for recruits and school of instruction. Colonel Burbeck
according to orders issued in June instructed in Artillery exer-
cises the Pennsylvania Detachment under command of Cap-
tain Connely, the New York Detachment under Captain Sproul,
and Captain Ogden's Company of Artillery of the Jersey Line,
while Lieut. Colonel David Brearly forwarded to Fort Colum-
bus all the recruits of the Pennsylvania and Jersey Lines from
the Trenton Depot.

Some details of pay and equipment prevailing at this period
are quoted as a basis of comparison with the conditions a cen-
tury later. The extracts are from Regulations in force May
2d, 1814:

70

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

PAY IN 1814.

PAY PER FORAGE RATIONS

MONTH NO. OK HORSES 1'ER DAY

Major-General $200 7 15

Brigadier-General 104 5 12

Brigade Chaplain 50 2 4

Professor of Math. Eng. Corps 5° 3 4

Apothecary General 1,800 per annum.

Commissary General 3>ooo per annum.

Cadet 16

Colonel (ex. of Cavalry) .... 75 4 6

ist Lieut, (ex. of Cavalry) 30 o 3

(Forage supplied for Lieut. Artillery and Light Dragoons.)

Corporal $10

Private, bombardier, sapper

and miner 8

(Women in proportion of I to every 17 men a ration in kind.)

Private waiters — Major-General 4

Colonel 2

and others in proportion.

CLOTHING 100 YEARS AGO FOR INFANTRY.

REGULATIONS OF 1814.

Coat $6.07

Cap 2.18

Frock

Shirts (4 at $1.30) 5.20

Stockings 54

Socks 10

Shoes 1.05

Stock 12

Cockade and eagle

Pompon 25

While the pay and clothing of 1814 were more satisfactory
to the troops than during the Revolutionary Period, the thou-

71

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

sand officers and men stationed on Governor's Island in the
summer of 1814 undoubtedly suffered many discomforts. The
Castle had been completed, however, just before the outbreak
of the War.

Inasmuch as this is an important building, always in evi-
dence but really little known, the author quotes at some length
from Guernsey's technical description of Castle Williams in
his "New York in the War of 1812," which states that the
lower tier had 27 French 35 pdrs. and the second tier, 39-20
pdrs. The terrace over the bomb proof, he tells us, formed a
barbette battery upon which 45 columbiads carrying 50 pd.
balls could be placed.

The walls are about 40 feet high, of Newark red sandstone,
hammered, and consist of 13 arches of 30 ft. span, 2 ft. thick
and 24 long. The cross walls are 7 ft. thick between the arches
and 12 ft. at the termination of the segment.

The guns are mounted in such manner that the centre of
motion is immediately under the muzzle of the gun, so that,
although the angle of fire is 54°, the mouth of the gun occu-
pies always the same place, which permits the throat of the
embrasure to be so small that a shot could not pass between
the gun and its side and the line of fire cross at 20 feet distance.

The interior of the Castle is open to the sky and the aper-
tures for smoke to escape amounts to 144 square feet in the
rear. The walls are 8 feet thick on the ground tier and 7 feet
on the next tier and in the mass of the wall arches are turned
over each pair of embrasures, so that if it were possible to
batter or break into the lower tier, the upper one would rest
upon these arches and exhibit the appearance of a bridge com-
posed of very solid tiers. The outside cut of the wall was
laid in Flemish bond and each stone dovetailed in such a man-
ner that no one could be dislocated without first being broken
to pieces. Over each embrasure is a flat arch of remarkable
strength. It also contains 2 stone magazines for 200 barrels
of powder and within the walls is an inexhaustible well of finest
water from which all the shipping might be watered with
ease.

72

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

Colonel Williams resigned his commission July 31, 1812,
on account of dissatisfaction felt and expressed by the
Artillery at an Engineer officer's being assigned to command
the Castle. Major Joseph A. Swift relieved Colonel Williams
as Colonel and Chief Engineer, with headquarters in New
York.

The Hon. Saml. Mitchell pays a deserved tribute to Colonel
Williams in his letter of October Qth, 1808, written during the
construction of the Castle, as follows: "The Chief Engineer
who planned the general fortifications of New York and who
actually superintended their construction is Colonel J. Wil-
liams, the learned and ingenious director of the American
Military Academy at West Point and President of the Ameri-
can Philosophical Society. The high professional talents dis-
played by this gentleman in projecting the works have been
very ably seconded in carrying them into operation.

At Governor's Island Fort Columbus is now finished. It
consists of 4 bastions, 3 curtains and an attached casemated
ravelin with two retired flanks, the whole capable of mounting
96 guns and might without inconvenience bring one-half its
face at one instant against any passing ship, while it com-
pletely commands the East River.

It is a work composed of a walled rampart 8 feet thick at its
base, diminishing by its slope to 6 feet at the line of the cordon
with counter forts of five feet in depth at the distance of 13
feet from each other, surmounted by a solid brick parapet of
10 feet in thickness. The ditch is about 40 feet wide, with a
walled counterscarp, a walled covert way and a sodded glacis
extending to the water edge.

At Bedlow's Island a mortar battery commands all the chan-
nel. This battery is on the level of the ditch of a Star fort in
its rear which not only commands it but commands and pro-
tects Ellis Island.

The old wooden parapet is taken down at Ellis Island and a
platform for a gun battery is completed. Under charge of
Colonel Williams a Castle at the Battery is being built similar
to that on Governor's Island. The North Battery, foot of

73

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Hubert Street, is a circular battery of 20 guns in one tier
which will cross fire with the S. W. Battery.

In Fort Columbus there are actually in place 60 cannon, in
Castle Williams 52, in S. W. Battery (Castle Clinton) 28, at
Bedlow's Island 24, at North Battery 16, Ellis Island 14,
Arsenal near Custom House 34.

Adding for the uncompleted third tier of Castle Williams,
Governor's Island, 26, and for the bomb battery at Ellis Island
4 mortars, we have a total of 258 pieces.

The estimated complement to man these guns is as fol-
lows:

On Governor's Island: Fort Columbus 780 men, Castle
Williams 1014; Bedlow's Island 312, Ellis Island 182, S. W.
Battery 364, North Battery 208, Arsenal 442, making a total
requirement of 2,302 men."

The larger estimate for Castle Williams is based upon the
additional 26 guns in the third tier.

The above quoted letter of the Hon. Saml. Mitchell was
written in 1808. During the continuance of the War of 1812-
15, references to which are to be found in this Chapter, oc-
curred a practical test of the efficiency of the guns of Castle
Williams in a target practice for the benefit of the Artillery
Militia.

The one of which we have an account took place on the
1 4th August, 1812. The target was an old hulk anchored in
the stream about 1,000 yards from shore, equidistant from
Castle Williams and the Fort at the Battery. General Mor-
ton's Brigade at the Battery Parade opened fire with 6, 9, 12
and 18 pdrs.

The Veteran Corps of Artillery commanded by Captain
Delamater fired from a long nine, which repeatedly raked the
hull of the target.*

Several heavy shot from the guns in Castle Williams also
hulled the target. After the firing had continued two hours

* The Veteran Corps of Artillery nearly a century after this event in-
stituted relations with Governor's Island of a more peaceful character,
(v. p. 150).

74

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

the hulk was perceived to be on fire. This was caused by the
hot shot fired by Colonel Curtenius' Regiment, which were
heated in a travelling forge attached to the Brigade. The re-
sult of the firing was as follows :

NO. OF SHOTS. EFFECTIVE. MISSED.

Castle Williams 30 27 3

Castle Clinton 40 36 4

The Artillery V. C. A.

and others 314 254 60

384 317 67

The military activity of the regular forces on Governor's
Island at this period was reflected in the atmosphere of ex-
pectation that prevailed throughout the City. In every walk
of life there was but one theme of conversation, and the various
armed organizations, whether shooting long nines or smoking
churchwardens, were porati ad helium. Even the fashionable
restaurants of the day were redolent of war, as we judge from
the description of the Shakespeare Tavern, which was one of
a number of similar establishments.

The Shakespeare Tavern was situated at the southwest cor-
ner of Fulton and Nassau Streets. It was here that the Vet-
eran Artillery Corps had their holiday dinners, although it
also dined, as it does to this day, at Fraunces' Tavern, on
occasions of ceremony.

The Shakespeare was kept by one Hodgkinson and it was
adorned in 1815 by a great sign of Columbia and Britannia
with joined hands and an olive branch and the words, "Forgive
and Forget."

Over the Eagle were draped the American colours and over
the Lion was the shield of Great Britain. Over all were the
names of our Commissioners, Adams, Bogart, Gallatin, Clay
and Russell, and the word "Peace," with intertwined flags.

The decorations thus described were added to the other at-
tractions of the Tavern at the establishment of peace, which
was officially announced in the following orders :

75

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

General Orders.

ADJT. GEN. OFFICE,

30 MILITARY DISTRICT, NEW YORK.

Feb. 6th, 1815.
********

A Martial Salute will be fired tomorrow from Gover-
nor's Island in honor of the Glorious Victory obtained
over the enemy at New Orleans on the 8th January by the
troops under Major Gen. Jackson.

This order was followed by a Gen. order, Feb. 20, reciting
that a Treaty of Peace had been signed between the United
States and Great Britain at Washington on Feb. I7th, and
ordering a Martial Salute to be fired at noon on Feb. 2ist
from Governor's Island and all posts from Sandy Hook to the
forts at Harlem, the Salutes to be followed by a "Feu de
joie" and an "Extra Ration of Liquor to be offered to the
troops to drink the glorious termination of an honorable
War." It was also ordered that Feb. 25th should be "passed
by the Troops of this Garrison in festivity and rejoicing and
in the evening an illumination of the officers' Quarters and
Barracks and Guard House to begin at dusk and to continue
till 9 o'clock. At half after 7 o'clock in the evening "18
rockets will be discharged from the castle under the direction
of the Artillery Quarter Master."

That War was over and Peace assured may be gathered
from the following Orders relative to details generally neg-
lected under war conditions:

Artillery Orders. FORT COLUMBUS,

14 March, 1815.

A long standing Genl. Order regulating the cut of Hair
& Whiskers has for some time past been too little attended
to and there appear in the ranks as many fashions with
regard to this part of the dress as there are kinds of men.
There may be some excuse for these irregularities in new-
raised Regts., but it ought to be expected that so old and
respectable a corps of the Army as the Artillery would
set the example of neatness. *********

At the next weekly inspection every non-Com officer
and Soldier will appear with his whiskers trimmed off in

76

PERIOD OF THE WAR OF l8l2

a line from the tip of the car to the bottom of the nose
and the Hair cropped, and it is expected that Officers of
Companies will set the example.

By order — CHAS. ANTHONY,

Adj. Corps Artillery.

It is interesting to compare with these Orders of 1815 the
following Orders on the same subject thirty-three years later
at the close of the Mexican War:

Genl. Orders WAR DEPARTMENT,

No. 35 ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON, July 6, 1848.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States
of America announcing the termination of the War with
Mexico.

(Here follows the Treaty)

(Here follow directions as to discharge of officers and
men of the ten additional Regiments, of the Volunteer
troops, Recruits, &c., in 10 paragraphs.)

Paragraph No. 1 1 is as follows :

ii. The hair to be short, or what is generally termed
cropped: the whiskers not to extend below the lower tip
of the ear, and a line thence with the curve of the mouth :
Moustaches will not be worn (except by Cavalry regi-
ments} by officers or men on any pretence whatever.
(Army Regulations, page 215.}

The non-observance of the above regulation (tolerated
during the war with Mexico) is no longer permitted. It
is enjoined upon all officers to observe and enforce the
regulation.

By order of the Secretary of War.

R. JONES,

Adj* Genl

CHAPTER IV.

MEXICAN AND CIVIL WAR PERIOD.

The Mexican and Civil Wars were so far removed geo-
graphically from New York that the activities of the Gover-
nor's Island Garrison were naturally of a different nature
from those in the stirring times of the Revolution of 1776 and
of the lesser War of 1812. This period may therefore be
passed over more briefly in order not to prolong unduly our
story.

In 1847 the ist New York Volunteer Infantry was mustered
in on Governor's Island, Colonel Ward Burnett, a graduate of
West Point, commanding. After gallant service in Mexico
the Regiment returned to New York and their colours were
preserved for many years in the Governor's Room in the City
Hall. In 1907 they were presented to Governor's Island by
the City and with imposing military and ecclesiastical cere-
monies were installed in the chapel of Saint Cornelius the Cen-
turion, where their tattered remnants now hang. A dozen or
more survivors of the Mexican War participated in the cere-
monies. The history of the colours which follows is taken
from the official tablet accompanying the flags upon their re-
moval from the City Hall.

HISTORY OF THE COLORS

OF THE

IST N. Y. REGIMENT — MEXICAN WAR.

The First Regiment of New York Volunteers in the
Mexican War was presented with a stand of Colors on
January 8th, 1847, by the City of New York. The
Colonel of the Regiment, Ward B. Burnett, received the
Colors personally, part of the Regiment having sailed for
Mexico before the date of presentation. The flags were
received by the Regiment when the first parade took place
after the presentation, on the Mexican Island of Lobos
about sixty miles north of Vera Cruz where the fleet con-

78

MEXICAN AND CIVIL WAR PERIOD

taining the army assembled. The officers of the Regiment
were called to the front and centre, where they formed
a circle about the Colors. Each officer placed his left
hand on one of the staffs, raised his right hand, and took
a solemn oath under the direction of Colonel Burnett to
protect the flags with his life blood. The Colors consisted
of two flags and two guide colors, one the national flag
and the other a red flag with the coat of arms of the City
of New York on one side and the coat of arms of the
State on the other. The red flag was the first over the
inner wall of the Castle of Chapultepec, on the morning of
September I3th, 1847. Color Sergeant Hipolite Dardon-
ville carried the red flag. Orderly Sergeant Robert M.
Harper, of Company D, supported him on one side and
ist Lieutenant Francis E. Pinto supported him on the
other. All went over the wall together. The Regiment
took an active part in the siege and capture of Vera Cruz,
the storming of Cerro Gordo Pass, the taking of the City
of Puebla, the battle of Contreras and Churubusco, where
Color Sergeant Romein was killed, the storming of the
Castle of Chapultepec, where Color Guide Zimmerman
was killed inside of the inner wall of the Castle, and the
capture of the City of Mexico. The Regiment belonged
to the ist Division that entered the City at daybreak of
the morning of September 1/j.th, 1847.

Four cannon, 24 pdr. bronze howitzers, are mounted at the
steps of the Chapel leading from -the nave into the choir. The
inscription on each of these cannon, which are used to carry
chains across the choir, is as follows:

Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras,

Churubusco, Chapultepec,

City of Mexico, 1847.

A letter from Captain Hungerford to George W. Morton,
Esq., New York, gives some additional data in regard to this
distinguished Regiment, mustered in on Governor's Island
and memorialized by the exhibition of their Colours in the
Chapel. It may be mentioned in this connection that Veterans
of this Regiment come occasionally to look upon their old

79

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

colours and at the cannon mounted below them inscribed with
the names of the battles in which they served. The letter
follows :

CITY OF MEXICO — HALLS OF MONTEZUMA.

Deer 7", 1847.

The 2d Regt New York Volunteers in the Mexican
War (known later as the 1st New York) were at Churu-
busco with 300 men, 2 companies being on detached ser-
vice.

The Regiment lost in killed and wounded 115. At
Chapultepec the Regiment was the first to enter the
works, carrying our colours, and the National standard
was the first that took the breeze over Chapultepec. The
flag of the Empire State was displayed from the balcony
of the building (City Hall?) the Colour Sergeant not
being able to find 'the passage leading to the top of the
building.

The colours are in a very tattered condition, the National
ensign in particular having only part of the Union and a little
fringe left. This is reasonably supposed to be the state
in which they were brought back from Mexico, as they have
been preserved since 1847 *n a glass case in the Governor's
Room, New York City Hall.

Another interesting reminder of the Mexican War to be
seen in the Chapel is a large oil painting, a Pieta, which was
once the property of Colonel Thomas Staniford. The brass
plate underneath recites that the "painting is donated as a
memorial to the widow of the late Doctor N. S. Jarvis, U. S. A.,
Jennie B. Jarvis, a noble and faithful servant of God, identified
with the Army for a period of over 70 years, who died May
26, 1907." Colonel Staniford was a veteran of the War of
1812, and was distinguished for gallantry and good judgment
in the Florida and Mexican Wars. He served on Governor's
Island in the 30*8.

The Votive Shield in the Chapel referred to on p. 148
recalls the dramatic sinking of the San Francisco in 1853.

80

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MEXICAN AND CIVIL WAR PERIOD

111 November and December, 1853, the Headquarters, Band
and Companies, A. B. C. D. G. H. I. K. and L. of the 3rd Ar-
tillery, about 300 officers and men, were on Governor's Island
awaiting orders for station on the Pacific Coast.

They sailed for San Francisco via Cape Horn on December
22, 1853, on the "San Francisco," a side wheel steamer of
3000 tons, Captain James T. Watkins. There were 740 per-
sons on board. Before leaving they had placed in the G^ver-
nor's Island chapel an heraldic shield with the name of the
organization and date of their being here, little thinking of the
way in which they were to return to their station. The "San
Francisco" almost at once ran into heavy weather which soon
became a tornado, and at 9 A. M. on December 24th a huge
wave swept everything from the upper deck, including the
main cabin, and carried with it about 175 persons who had
taken refuge there. The brig "Napoleon," too small to render
practical assistance, carried news of the wreck to Boston.
The Government at once sent vessels to the rescue, and the
survivors, nearly 600 persons, were taken off the "San Fran-
cisco" by the American Ship "Antarctic," the American bark
"Kilby" and the British ship "Three Bells." The boats of
the vessel were swept away by the sea and her fires were
put out and she soon sprang a leak. The soldiers and
other passengers rendered aid by manning the pumps and
jettisoning the cargo. Lieutenant L. K. Murray, U. S. N.,
a passenger on the "San Francisco," set a splendid example
of heroism.

The "Kilby" took her rescued people to Boston. The
"Antarctic" proceeded to Liverpool, where the survivors of the
wreck were not allowed to land and after long delay they
were returned to New York. The survivors of the "Three
Bells" were more fortunate, being landed at New York Janu-
ary I3th, 1845, three weeks after the disaster.

The return of the survivors to Governor's Island is de-
scribed by the son of a 3rd Artillery bandsman, whose father
and mother were on the "San Francisco," as being a thrilling
occasion. Visitors to the Chapel will find a second shield

Si

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR S ISLAND

erected by the survivors of the Regiment "in sorrow and
thankfulness." The shield is described with others of the
Mexican War period, on p. 148.

The 3rd Artillery at the time of leaving Governor's Island
was commanded by Colonel William Gates. His son was lost
in the wreck, also the wife of Captain George Taylor. The
officers lost were Major John Macrae Washington, ist Lieu-
tenant Horace B. Field, ist Lieutenant Richard H. Smith, all
of the 3rd Artillery.

PERIOD OF 1861.

"Another interval of pipeclay and monotonous guard duty
was succeeded by the stirring times of 1861-65, when Gover-
nor's Island became the important depot for the United States.
The ancient Castle became the dungeon for Confederate
prisoners of war, large numbers being confined there during
the war and several executions taking place." Doctor Rob-
ertson recalls an interesting event of 1863. During the draft
riots of that year the troops stationed on Governor's Island
were guarding the Sub-Treasury in Wall Street. Their ab-
sence was seized by the rioters as a time for attacking the
Island and capturing ammunition, rifles and stores. The City
authorities, hearing of this movement, withdrew all ferry-boats
from their slips. The rioters, however, secured other boats
and soon were on their way to the Island. Eighty employes
of the Ordnance Department hurriedly armed themselves with
muskets, trained some cannon on the invaders and succeeded
in repulsing the attack. At various periods of the Civil War
large bodies of troops were encamped on Governor's Island
going to and returning from the front. On one occassion
seven regiments were encamped here at one time and an eye-
witness has described to the author the stirring events of
those days and the inspiring scene from the glacis when this
large body of troops was formed for retreat.

A Hospital was erected at this period. The middle wing
survives in the present Dept. Hdqrs. Bldg., the school build-

82

MEXICAN AND CIVIL WAR PERIOD

ing, printing office and Hospital Steward's quarters repre-
senting various wards. The Castle was crowded with prison-
ers during the Civil War. Chaplain McVickar, who began
his chaplaincy in one war and ended it in another, with the
visitation of Cholera in 1849 between the two, had much to do
with and for these prisoners of War. Bishop Whittingham
of Maryland writing to him in 1861, says: "I am greatly
pleased to find how thoroughly you had anticipated all that
I wished to ask you about your work in the Port of New
York."

The Castle is still (1913) used as a Military Prison. The
stone magazines at the gate have been taken down to provide
place for a much-needed guard house, which is being built
of the same material just inside the main gate.

A picture in Harper's Weekly (May, 1861) shows troops
drilling on Governor's Island near the Administration Build-
ing. A view of the courtyard of the Barracks discloses a
fence around the centre of the enclosure.

The book records on file in Washington of Fort Columbus
at this period are as follows : Record of Convalescents, Strag-
glers, etc., Union Forces, Received and Forwarded, 1863,

1864, 1865, and Record of Deserters and General Prisoners
confined 1865-1870. To transcribe these would be hardly
warranted by the scope of this book. An incident of April,

1865, throws light upon the use of the Castle for prisoners
of war, of whom there were sometimes 1,000 confined at
one time.

The account was written lately in connection with the elec-
tion of the hero of this incident, William Robert Webb, as
United States Senator from Tennessee.

"Three days before the surrender of Lee at Appomattox,
in April, 1865, a young Confederate officer, William Robert
Webb, was held as a prisoner of war in the stockade about
Castle Williams on Governor's Island. He had been brought
North from Virginia only one day before. Webb could look
over the stockade toward the lower end of Manhattan, and
could see the city easily. Although he had been so badly in-

83

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

jured that he could not march with the infantry, and had
changed to the cavalry arm, he seemed to see only the city
wharves, and not the four hundred yards of water in the
channel between. After dark he climbed the stockade and
slipped from the wall into the bay.

"The chill of early April was still in the water. In spite of
it, Webb swam across to a point just below Castle Garden
now the Aquarium, and lifted himself upon the dock. He
wore a faded Confederate uniform, and found himself enjoy-
ing the doubtful freedom of a hostile city clad in this garb and
wringing wet. A citizen spoke to him in Battery Park.

" 'Who are you?' he said. 'How did you come to fall in?'

" 'I swam across from the Island,' Webb answered. 'I
escaped from the prison stockade over there. I am Capt.
Webb of the Confederate army.'

"The citizen laughed and passed on. There with the lights
of the prison twinkling just across the channel several other
loungers and passers-by asked Webb the same questions and
got the same answer.

"Webb stayed in the city for three days wearing his uniform
and telling every one who asked for his story the plain truth.
Doubtless if the war had gone on for some time, he might
have been retaken. As it was, he went free."

Webb was Captain and Adjutant of the 2nd North Carolina
Cavalry.

Another amusing escape from the Castle related by a con-
temporary was that of a Confederate soldier who in some
way managed to get out of a gate just as the sentry had passed.
He ran as far as he could while the sentry was on the beat.
Just before the sentry turned the prisoner also turned and
boldly approached the main gate. The sentry, perceiving
him, ordered him peremptorily away from the Castle, stating
that visitors were not allowed to come near the gate, an
order that coincided remarkably with the views of the
Southern tourist who carried it into instant effect and did
not return.

The inscription on the Castle, not often seen because of the

84

MEXICAN AND CIVIL WAR PERIOD

<

overgrowth of vines, is the name Castle Williams carved on a
keystone over the main gate with graceful flourishes. To the
left on a large block of stone are the words

Commenced
1807

and to the right, in the Compleated
spelling of the day, 1811

The guns, except those on the parapets, were removed in
1893.

CHAPTER V.

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913.

In this chapter various data of more or less importance are
cited to throw light upon the life of the Garrison.

Governor's Island remained an Artillery post till 1850, then
it was a Recruiting Depot till 1878, when it became Division
Head Quarters with an Artillery Garrison. In 1894, the Gar-
rison became an Infantry one and so remains.

The following brief extracts are taken from the Medical
History of the Post by Surgeons Page and Elbrey, 1866:

Sea wall built at S. W. side of Island— 1868— July, Mean
strength of the Garrison in this month — 618 men.

1870 — August — 172 cases of yellow fever — Troops in camp
—drills omitted.

1869 — The Music Boys being too crowded in South Bat-
tery, half their number went into camp, wall tents being used.

1870 — September — yellow fever — 66 cases.

The S. E. portion of the Island appears the most infected.
In one set of quarters 21 were sick out of 22. In another, 33
out of 40. This part of the Island was quarantined from the
rest. The caretaker in the Chapel stricken with the disease —
removed to hospital.

October — Total number of cases of yellow fever, 131.
Patients transferred to West Bank Hospital, 10 miles down
the Bay. Many died as result of transfer. Chaplain Alex-
ander Davidson caring for soldiers, takes the disease and dies.

1871 — March — Buildings in which yellow fever existed torn
down.

In 1868 the barracks in Fort Jay were as now, but the one
on west side was used for Officers' Quarters. The officers'
quarters were divided on either side of the sally port into two
parts by a hall, on each side of which were communicating
rooms, 1 6 rooms in all and 8 kitchens reckoned for 8 sets of
quarters.

86

JARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

From Circular No. 8, Surgeon Generals' Office, by Surgeon
J. J. Millan we learn some details as to buildings on the
Post. The building now used as Administration Building
was at one time a Court Martial and billiard room and was
used occasionally for dances. This is the long building just
east of the Main Fort. The Q. M. Row, near Corbin Hall
was built in 1871. This Row contains 19 quarters for families
of employes. On the site of the present Chapel stood a frame
building used for band quarters, later for Post Library and
later still as residence for the Boat Captains. In 1905 when
the Chapel was built it was removed to a position near the
Quartermaster's Office and stables.

This building at one time was the Garrison Library and
contained a fine collection of books. The first floor was used
for school purposes ; the second floor for the library. It was
burned in 1869 and the books were destroyed.

The first cemetery was near the present Colonel's Row ; the
second was near the old Chapel. The victims of the yellow
fever and cholera were buried here. The iron fence that sur-
rounded this graveyard stands now behind the General's
Row on the Lower Road. The Pest House stood near the
present Colonel's quarters, Regimental Row. The present
hospital was built about 1878. No interments were allowed
in the Cemetery after 1878 and in 1886 the remains were re-
moved to the National Cemetery, Cypress Hills, Brookyn.

A few years ago (1907) remains were found during ex-
cavations for repairs at one of the quarters in Colonel's Row.
This discovery recalled the site of the first Cemetery estab-
lished on Governor's Island. There is no known record of its
date, and it is quite possible that the British used it during
their occupation, 1776-1783, as war conditions would make it
difficult to establish one elsewhere.

Governor's Island was visited by epidemics of cholera in
1854, 1857, 1866, 1867 and 1868, and by the yellow fever in
1856 and 1870. These epidemics were general in their char-
acter, affecting not only New York but adjacent territory.
The fact of the Island's being a Recruiting Station during

87

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

that time serves to explain the failure to quarantine the Gar-
rison.

The Hospital was overcrowded with soldiers and the other
cases of which there were an enormous number, as noted on
p. 86, were treated in the various houses in which they
occurred.

The following list of burials, while accurate in detail, prob-
ably omits the names of some, especially of those who were
transferred to West Bank Hospital during the yellow fever of
1870, and of the prisoners of War, it being believed that more
died in confinement than given in the list below :

LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES BURIED

ON GOVERNOR'S ISLAND.

DATE OF DEATH

Charles Frye, child Sept. 27, 1798

Constant Freeman, child Au-g. 5, 1799

Robert Heaton, Jr., Lieut. 2d U. S. Art'y Oct. 17, 1799

Mildred K. Souder, child Sept. 6, 1807

James H. Boyle, Major U. S. Art'y Feb. 8, 1816

Helen S. Churchill, child Sept. 27, 1818

Samuel Armstrong, Lieut. U. S. Art'y Sept. 8, 1819

Lydia Gates, wife of Major Lemuel Gates. . . . Aprl. 26, 1822

W. J. Page, child Febr. 10, 1823

James C. DeKamp, status unknown Febr. 29, 1854

Susan J. DeKamp, wife of above Sept. n, 1824

James Mann, Surgeon Nov. 7, 1843

Eliza F. Brown, child of Capt. H. Brown June 3, 1835

Julia A. Brown, child of Capt. H. Brown Dec. 15, 1836

William Gates, Col. and Bvt. Brig.-Genl., 3d

U. S. Art'y Oct. 7, 1868

Collinson R. Gates, Bvt. Major, 8th U. S. In-
fantry June 28, 1849

Sarah M. Gates, wife of Col. Wm. Gates Oct. 27, 1843

88

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

DATE OF DEATH

Mary Reed Collins Gates, child of Wm. Gates. Dec. 3, 1838

Lydia Bedloe Gates, child of Wm. Gates Febr. 28, 1839

Samuel L. Russel, Capt. 2d U. S. Inf'y Fcbr. 26, 1839

James Green, Capt. 2d U. S. Art'y Aug. 17, 1842

Alexander Cummings, Colonel Jan. 31, 1842

L. M. Shackleford, Lieut, ist U. S. Art'y Oct. 12, 1847

H. D. Wallen (Samuel G.), child of H. D.

Wallen Mar. 22, 1848

Sidney Smith, Lieut. 1st U. S. Art'y Nov. 6, 1849

B. K. Pierce, Lt.-Col. ist U. S. Art'y Aprl. i, 1850

— Pierce, daughter of above No date

F. F. , Lieut No date

C. B. - — , Lieut No date

William Walters, Capt. M. S. K June 27, 1864

Katie Walters, daughter of above June 26, 1860

Ward Miller, child of Lieut. T. E. Miller Sept. 25, 1862

Robert O. Abbott, Col. and Surgeon June 16, 1867

T. A. H. Gabel, Lieut. Batn. Major 45th U. S.

Infantry Dec. 12, 1868

Bessie Auman, child of Lieut. Auman Febr. 19. 1875

Joseph Plympton, Col. ist Inf'y. ) No date

*removed to Woodlawn Cemetery, N.Y.C. [ .Nov. 6, 1897

— Courtney, child No date

Thomas B. Weir, Captain 7th U. S. Cavalry. .Dec. 9, 1876
Charles McCormick, Col. and Surgeon U. S. A. .Aprl. 28, 1877

Officers and families 39

Enlisted men and their families known are 169

Enlisted men and their families unknown are. . . 191

Military convicts 4

families 60

Total 463

* From National Cemetery, Cypress Hills.

89

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

The reinterment of officers was made in a row on the North
side of the Cemetery; of the non-commissioned officers and
privates about the middle of the Cemetery, east of the centre
line.

Among the stones which were removed from Governor's
Island and re-erected in 1878 are two of a fine brown sand-
stone, beautifully cut in the ancient style with inscriptions
which are given here :

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM MCINTYRE,
LATE SERJEANT IN CAPT. RICHARD WHILEY's
COMPANY U. S. REGT. OF ARTILLERISTS, WHO
DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY THE I2TH 1808.

The other is in memory of

HIRAM ANDRUS
OF CO. F, 4TH REGT. OF

U. S. ARTILLERY

WHO DIED AT FORT COLUMBUS

JULY 10, 1833.

Another of white marble, with a non-commissioned officer's
sword and belt carved at the top records the death of

SERGEANT CHARLES HENKE

BORN IN DENMARK

NOV. 12, 1794

DIED JAN'Y 14, 1872

AGED 78 YEARS

IN THE 5OTH YEAR OF HIS SERVICE IN THE

U. S. ARMY
QO

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

LIST OF ENLISTED MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AND CIVILIANS
BURIED ON GOVERNOR'S ISLAND.

Hh

DATE OK DEATH

William Mclntyre, Sergt. U. S. Art'y May 12, 1868

Ann Snelling, child Oct. 28, 1815

William Patterson, Sergt Sept. 3, 1826

Catherine Littlefield, wife of Walter Littlefield. Aprl. n, 1829

William Cherrington July 10, 1830

Adeline M. McGuire, daughter of James Mc-

Guire Oct. 3, 1830

John B. Manning June 2, 1831

Hiram Andrus, 4th U. S. Art'y Febr. 10, 1833

Harman L. Hemstreet, Music Boys Mar. 7, 1833

Douglas Morrison, child Dec. 19, 1833

May Morrison, child Dec. 19, 1833

Ann E. L. Morrison Aug. 27, 1845

Jane Douglass, wife of R. Douglass Mar. 24, 1847

George W. Douglass, child of R. Douglass. . .,.Mar. 24, 1847

William F. Fried, child .Oct. 31, 1848

Wilhelmina Fried No date

John Fried, Sergt. Co. B, Union Boys Sept. 20, 1865

John Hughes, Sergt. 4th U. S. Art'y Jan. 7, 1851

Martha Hughes, wife of John Hughes ,. Mar. 7, 1852

Mary — , "our Mary," child of John

Hughes (supposed) No date

Charles Stanley, Musician Mar. 18, 1854

Ann Henke, wife of Charles Henke Sept. 2, 1856

Charles Henke, Sergt. Co. B, Music Boys Jan. 14, 1872

Esther T. Pfefferle, child July 28, 1856

Francis Smith Oct. 3, 1856

David L. Walsh, Sergt Jan. 9, 1857

Jessie Horan, child May 15, 1861

91

. HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

DATE OF DEATH

Ann M. Lowe, child July 17, 1861

Alexander D. Hoyt, child ' May 29, 1861

John B. Pinghard Feb. 28, 1856

Maria Pinghard, wife of John B. Pinghard . . . May 29, 1862

Bridget Stuart, wife of Sergt Patk. S. Stuart. Aug. 12, 1868
William R. Stuart, child of Sergt. Patk. S.

Stuart May 5, 1863

Mary J. Stuart, child of Sergt. Patk. S. Stuart . Apr. 28, 1868

Rosanna Stuart, child of Sergt. Patk. S. Stuart . Aug. 22, 1868

John Haintz, Sergt. Ordnance, U. S. A Feb. i, 1864

Julia Haintz, child of John Haintz April 18, 1865

Mary Haintz, child of John Haintz No date

Fred Haintz, child of John Haintz Sept. 25, 1870

P. H. Guerin, Sergt. Co. A, Permt. Party,

U. S. A Feb. 23, 1864

Emeline Allen, wife of G. W. Allen Apr. 16, 1864

John Henion, Pv't Co. B, Union Boys Nov. 21, 1864

William Head, Sergt Apr. 24, 1865

William N. Head, child of Wm. Head Nov. 3, 1865

James Casey, Pv't Co. A, Permt. Party,

U. S. A Aug. 13, 1866

Hutchinson M. Howe, Pv't. Co. A, Permt.

Party, U. S. A Sept. 13, 1870

Albert Lagenboner, child Jan. 24, 11877

Gustav N. Lagenboner, child Feb. 9, 1877

Hannah M. Kieley June 12, 1861

Patrick Kieley, child No date

Giles D. Taylor, child July 15, 1869

Winford R. Farlie, child May 18, 1864

George H. Arthur, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 16, 1866

92

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

•

DATE OF DEATH

William Meredith, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 5, 1866

John Moore, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Aug. 3, 1866
David Lieberson, Pvt. Co. D, "Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 8, 1866

James Smith, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Aug. 6, 1866
Thomas Kelly, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Aug. 5, 1866
Patrick Riley, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. July 28, 1866
Rudolph Kaimer, Mus. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 20, 1866

Charles McKoon, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 15, 1866

Robert Wolf, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Aug. 4. 1866
Herbert Dailey, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 21, 1866

Elias Morris, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. July 24, 1866
John McHugh, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 25, 1866

Thomas Wheeler, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 30. ig66

Thomas Martin, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 30, 1866

Isaac J. Robinson, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 28, 1866

Peter Glandon, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 16, 1866

James Connors, Prisoner July 15, 1866

Francis King, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. July 13, 1866
John McMahon, Pvt. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 18, 1866

John McColgan, Mus. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 20, 1866

93

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

DATE OF DEATH

Lawrence Broderick, Mus. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 20, 1866

Frederick W. Johnson, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 2!, 1866

Alexander Wise, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 19, 1866

Henry Wier, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. July 31, 1866
George Rixforcl, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 26, 1866

David Ewing, Prisoner Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 3, 1866

David Forney, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. . Sept. 28, 1866
Fritz Mathisson, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 18, 1866

Daniel Dunford, Mus. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 20, 1866

Francis Lurst, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. n, 1866

Monroe McKelsey, Pvt. Co. C, Permt. Party,

U. S. A Aug. 7, 1866

Carl Gross, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. .Aug. 7, 1866

Charles Howe, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 4, 1866

Martin Coster, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 15, 1866

Henry Boyer, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. . Augj. 3, 1866
Josiah Harrison, Mus. Boys, Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A .' July 20, 1866

Emanuel Ferguson, Pvt. 9th U. S. Inf'y July 23, 1866

Abraham Walk, Pvt. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 31, 1866

Joseph Emerson, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 10, 1866

94

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

DATE OF DEATH

John R. P. Smith Aug. I, 1866

J. Denanny No date

James Neland, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Sept. 26, 1866
Christ. Saltmeyer, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 12, 1866

Peter Burke, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Sept. 26, 1866

John Bush, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Sept. 17, 1866

Lewis T. Young, Pvt Jan. 3, 1856

Elizabeth G. Ives July 7, 1873

Charles Bessamore, Co. B, Union Boys June 20, 1861

Frederick O'Brien, child Mar. 24, 1862

Winifred O'Brien, child Mar. 27, 1862

Fred. Reynolds Aug. 17, 1862

— Reynolds No date

William Gtilick, Sgt. Co. F, Permt. Party June 25, 1863

Alexander Moore, Pvt. Co. M, 2d U. S. Art'y.Sept. 24, 1861

Franz Hooper, Pvt. Co. A, Permt. Party Apr. 28, 1865

C. McCormick, Sgt. Co. A, Permt. Party,

U. S. A Aug. 12, 1865

F. Holfriede, Pvt. Co. F, ist U. S. Art'y Nov. 2, 1861

Frederick Grunert, child July n, 1872

J. Johnson, Pvt. Co. C, 6th U. S. Infty Dec. 25, 1861

Walter Kilborn, Pvt. Co. K, Qist N. Y. Infty. Jan. 5, 1862

J. Morrison, Pvt. Co. G, 98th N. Y. Infty Jan. 6, 1862

W. A. Huckbone, Pvt. Co. I, 9ist N. Y. Infty. Jan. 9, 1862

W. McBride, Pvt. Co. F, Permt. Party May 19, 1862

John Fish, Pvt. Co. E, 915! N. Y. Infty Jan. 17, 1862

W. Simmons, Pvt. Co. I, gist N. Y. Infty. . . Jan. 30, 1862
Joseph or James Trumble, Sgt. Co. G, Permt.

Party Dec. 2, 1861

David Flecke, Corp. Co. A, Permt. Party Dec. 16, 1861

95

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

DATE OF DEATH

Francis Shields, Sgt. Co. I, Permt. Party Oct. i, 1861

Robertson, woman No date

Grace Robertson, child No date

P. Griffin, Pvt. Co. H, ist U. S. Infty Feb. 20, 1862

Alfred Pitt, Pvt. Co. E, Q8th N. Y. Infty Feb. 23, 1862

Patrick Conkly, Pvt. Co. H, 28th Mass. Infty. .Mar. 7, 1862

James Carr, Musician Feb. 22, 1863

Charles Allen, Corp. Co. K, ;th N. Y. Infty. . .Dec. 18, 1864

Rudolph Schaer, child Sept. 15, 1867

William Muller, Pvt. Co. D Mar. 6, 1866

James Kellog, Gen. Serv., U. S. A Sept. 19, 1867

Fernando Snyder, Gen. Serv., U. S. A Sept. 18, 1867

Adelbert Rogers, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 16, 1867

William Swain, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept 14, 1867

Christ. Nolte, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. . Sept. 6, 1867

Adolph Aikens, Pvt. Co. C, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. n, 1867

John H. Etzold, Pvt. Gen. Serv., U. S. A Sept. 12, 1867

Benjamin Williams, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 5, 1867

John Horan, Recruit, U. S. A Sept. 3, 1867

Christ. Liesbert, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. i, 1867

Henry Peck, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. . Sept. 5, 1867

Edward McLaughlin, Pvt. U. R. C., U. S. A. . .Sept. 3, 1867

Charles Donnely, Pvt. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. i, 1867

Frank Gallagher, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 31, 1867

96

C

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

DATE OF DEATH

Francis McKeon, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 2, 1866

Thomas Patston, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 24, 1867

James Patston, child of T. Patston No date

Lewis Vassell, Pvt. Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 2, 1867

Joseph Recaid, Recr. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Aug. 31, 1867

Oliver Hersher, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A July 4> 1866

William Hilliers, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 6, 1866

Patrick Hart, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. .Aug. 8, 1866
Frederick Weil, Prisoner, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Sept. 22, 1866

Simon S. Schultz, child Sept. 16, 1866

P. McGuire, Pvt. Co. G, 28th Mass. Infty Feb. 19, 1862

Henry Shipley, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 3, 1866

Andreas P. Karberg, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 6, 1866

Henry Schlegel, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 13, 1866

Frank Jones, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. .Oct. 15, 1866
John H. Totten, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 19, 1866

John Heberger, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 20, 1866

John Sanberg, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A •_•--•--• — Oct' 27' l866

Frederick Traub, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U 5. A Nov. 6, 1866

97

-

ft

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

DATE OF DEATH

Martin Leonard, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Dec. 4, 1866

Edward Tryer, Pvt Feb. 2, 1867

John Jones, Corp. Co. C, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. .Mar. 27, 1867

Louis A. Harry, Pvt Apr. 6, 1867

Andrew Flickinger, Pvt Apr. 15, 1867

Thomas McHugh, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Nov. 7, 1867

John Hooley, Pvt. 1st Prov. Co., Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Apr. 14, 1869

Thomas Cryon, Pvt. Co. C Aug. 25, 1868

Patrick Byrne, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Apr. 25, 1868

John Kennedy, Pvt. Co. A, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Jan. 3, 1868

John Burke, Pvt. Co. A, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. .Nov. 22, 1867

John Smith, Pvt. Co. A, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. .Oct. 29, 1867
Charles Iluber, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Oct. 8, 1867

Frank Burke, Pvt. Co. A, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Sept. 26, 1867

Carl Schaer, Pvt. Gen. Serv., U. S. A Sept. 18, 1867

Henry Weber, Pvt. Co. C, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. . Sept. 14, 1867

George Gass, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv., U. S. A. . Sept. 14, 1867
Robert F. Jern, Pvt. Co. C, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 11, 1867

John Hyler, Pvt. Gen. Serv., U. S. A Sept. 10, 1867

Thomas McGrath, Prisoner Co. B, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 9, 1867

Thomas Flynn, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 6, 1867

Frank Keckynar, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 8, 1867

98

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

DATE OF DEATH

James C. Elliot, Pvt. Co. D, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 6, 1867

Charles Dillman, Pvt. Co. B, Union Boys,

U. S. A Sept. 29, 1865

Andrew T. Ford, Sergt. Co. C, Permt. Party,

U. S. A Sept. 10, 1865

Jacob Haefele, Sergt. Co. C, Permt. Party,

U. S. A Apr. 20, 1873

James Bodgers, child Jan. 15, 1878

Magdalen Stigler, wife of Band Master Mar. n, 1878

Ann Mouriff No date

George E. Hanna, child Oct. 28, 1861

Samuel Meades, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Apr. 26, 1871

William Gibson, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Mar. 31, 1870

Stephen D. Lockwood, Pvt. Co. A, Permt.

Party, U. S. A Feb. 20, 1870

Ellen Farrell, child Apr. n, 1862

Mela Reynolds, child Aug. 25, 1873

Chris Marlin, Pvt. Co. B, Music Boys May 23, 1873

William McFarland, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A Sept. 1 6, 1870

Peter Luck, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv., U. S. A.. Aug. i, 1870

James Kelcher, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv.,

U. S. A June 24, 1870

Francis Bungent, Pvt. Co. D, Select Recruits. .Apr. 12, 1870
William Seery, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Recr. . .Feb. 18, 1872
Henry Carroll, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Recr. . .Jan. I, 1872

William F. Curtis, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv.

Recruit Aug. 27, 1871

Joseph Villenger, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Recr. Jan. 18, 1871

99

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

DATE OF DEATH

Thomas Sullivan, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Recr.Sept. 25, 1870

Henry Rathkamp, Pvt. Co. A, Permt. Party. . .Sept. 27, 1870

Henry Bennett, Pvt. Co. B, Music Boys Oct. i, 1870

Patrick Daley, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv Feb. 8, 1871

Willet C. West, Fifer Co. B, Music Boys Mar. 25, 1871

Michael Kinsell, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Rets. .May 7, 1871

James Colgan, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Rets Mar. 5, 1872

Patrick Golden, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Rets. . .May 25, 1872

Peter Storms, Sergt. Co. A, Permt. Party Oct. 19, 1863

Lizzie Corliss Lynch, child No date

Daniel Nowlan, child No date

John C. Indale, child No date

Alfred B. Haynes, Pvt. Co. B, Music Boys. . . July 23, 1873

Julius Steinman, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Rets. .Oct. 24, 1873

Michael Morrissey, Pvt. Co. C, 22d U. S. Infty .Aug. 20, 1872

Albert O. Dennis, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Rets.. Mar. 29, 1872

Justus Schlessing, Pvt. Co. E, Gen. Serv. Rets. Mar. 13, 1872

Henry Christopher, Pvt. Co. C, Permt. Party. .Jan. 8, 1872

William Skelly, Pvt. Co. M, 5th U. S. Arty. . .Dec. 17, 1871

Robert Scott, Pvt. Co. A, Permt. Party June 10, 1871

Jacob Mertins, Sergt. Co. A, Permt. Party Sept. 19, 1870

Patrick Leonard, Corp. Co. C, Permt. Party. . .Sept. 17, 1870

Ernest Dallye, Pvt. Co. A, Permt. Party Sept. 13, 1870

Peter Creamer, Corp. Co. B, Music Boys Sept. 10, 1870

CONFEDERATE PRISONERS OF WAR.

J. E. Barbury, Co. D, 28th N. Carolina June 7, 1862

Hosea G. Blount, Co. F, 7th N. Carolina Sept. 29, 1861

David L. Rodgeron, Co. F, 7th N. Carolina. . .Oct. 8, 1861

M. G. Roberson, Co. F, 7th N. Carolina Oct. u, 1861

IOO

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

DATE OF DEATH

Stephen Kite, Co. G, 7th N. Carolina Oct. 27, 1861

Saml. D. Titterton, Co. F, 7th N. Carolina Oct. 29, 1861

- Simpson, Co. F, 7th N. Carolina Nov. 19, 1861

Alpha Modlin Nov. 24, 1861

- Jennings Mar. n, 1862

Smith Hartley May 30, 1862

G. Townsend, Pvt. Co. E, 27th N. Carolina. . .June 3, 1862

In the early days Governor's Island must have been a dark
place after retreat. Up to 1854 candles were the only source
of illumination. Later, whale oil was introduced and then
kerosene. Until 1878, when General Hancock made his head-
quarters here, there were no street lights at all, except one
light at the dock, a condition which was not so brilliant as that
enjoyed by New York in 1697, when the Common Council
ordered the city to be lighted by lanterns from poles that pro-
jected from every seventh house.

The Common Council, at a stated meeting held at the House
of John Simmons, Innholder at the N. W. corner of Wall and
Nassau Streets (now the site of the Bankers' Trust Building)
on the I7th day of February, 1784, issued a Warrant No. 15
to Win. Deal and others for lighting the City lamps, to the
amount of £21 55.

Electric lighting was introduced on May 10, 1904. The
Arsenal at that time had and for some time later continued
to use acetylene gas manufactured at a private plant in the
Yard.

Dances were held in various places at various times: at one
time in the present Administration Building; in the Hospital
(now Dept Headquarters Building), where the Grand Duke
Alexis of Russia was entertained in 1872, a marquee being
erected in front; at one time in the present Q. M. Storehouse,
east side of Island, and later, as now, in the Officers' Club
House, Corbin Hall.

101

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

The water supply was in those days a troublesome question.
Surgeon Page in his history (1868) writes:

"The wells are four in number. One is in Castle Williams
and furnishes a small supply of tolerably good water. It
dries in ten minutes and requires some time to refill.* An-
other well is in front of Fort Columbus, but unfit for drinking
purposes. Another is near the Hospital (now Department
Headquarters) and is the best and most used on the Island,
all the animals being watered at this well."

Water from the City (Ridgewood) was introduced by mains
under Buttermilk Channel about 1880, soon after General
Hancock's arrival.

The Hospital mentioned in this report is the Hospital of
1868, now (1913) Eastern Department Hdqrs. The pump
connected with this well was in situ, handle and all, as late as
1905. Another well not mentioned was in the Arsenal Yard.
This was quite a pretty spot, arranged in the nature of a
spring house, with a flight of stone steps going down and a
little arbour to protect it from the sun."

A well of pure water in South Battery is also mentioned by
Surgeon Page, who goes on to say that rain water is collected
from the roofs of nearly all the buildings in cisterns. No
attempts were made to sink artesian wells on account of the
geological formation and great dip of the strata. In this con-
nection it may be interesting to mention the natural history of
Governor's Island.

"The basic rock of the Island is gneiss composed of quartz,
feldspar and mica arranged in laminae, the rock being strati-
fied and hypozoic, covered with alluvial and drift deposit.
The direction of the stratum corresponds with N. S. and the
dip, though generally to the west, averages within 10° vertical.
The water now in use, derived from shallow wells, is hard and
contains a great quantity of organic matter. The high angle
dip and deep surrounding channels make good water unattain-
able. The alluvial deposits consist of loam, clay, sand and
gravel. The drift is composed of abraded boulders, gravel

*It was more efficient in 1812 (v. p. 72).

102

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, I868-IQI3

and sand and all were driven probably by ice pressure. The
alluvial and diluvial deposits are probably 100 feet deep at the
N. and S. ends."

The Island was undoubtedly separated from the mainland
during the Glacial period.

Circular No. 8 (1875) states that the cisterns frequently
ran dry. At these times they were cleaned and fumigated and
filled with Croton water brought from the City in tanks of
Quartermaster boats.

These cisterns are being gradually filled. A number were
filled from the excavations of the new Chapel in 1905-6.

The use of the drum for calls was given up about 1876.
There is a tradition that the last official drum hung in the tree
where it was kept for a year or so after that time. An officer
has told the author he remembers seeing it so on several occa-
sions.

A marked depression in the surface of the Park near the
fountain often arouses curiosity, as to what it represents in
the otherwise level surface of the ground.

Major Kendall, a veteran of the War of 1812, lived on
Governor's Island after retirement with his daughters and held
the position of Sutler. His residence was at the western
end of a long row of houses that stretched from the present
Post Quartermaster's office and carpenter shop to what is now
No. 1 8, Colonels' Row.

This row was of wooden houses, one story in height, with
cellar, and besides the Sutler and his store accommodated a
number of soldiers and their families.

According to tradition, these buildings were erected for the
accommodation of the builders of Fort Jay after the American
Revolution. Some believe they represent the English occupa-
tion of 1776-1783.* The beams and all the wood were of very
heavy construction. Some were burned down in 1856, and the
rest were removed after the yellow fever epidemic in 1870. In
removing them it was found inconvenient to fill in all the cellars,

*This is confirmed by the fact that the group of buildings as late as
1850 was called "Rotten Row."

103

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

the supply of earth being limited. The depression alluded to
marks this ancient row and probably Major Kendall's quarters.

Major Kendall, upon the burning of his quarters in 1856,
moved to quarters in the S. E. angle of the barracks, Fort
Columbus.

The condition of the works on Bedlow's and Ellis' Island
and of the fortification at the Battery may be learned from
Colonel Williams' Report of Jan'y 19, 1810, in which he says
Ellis Island mounts 8 32 pdrs. with a platform capable of
mounting 20; that Bedlow's Battery is ready for 8 or 10
mortars, with the main work of 40 guns half completed, and
that by July the first tier of a castle at the Old Battery will be
completed, mounting 30 of the heaviest guns. This castle was
at first officially known as the South West Battery, after the
war as Castle Clinton, whence its peaceful designation of
Castle Garden was derived.

In 1822 Castle Clinton was ceded by the Government to the
City of New York, and the soldiery were removed to Gover-
nor's Island. At this time and for many years following
Castle Clinton was separated from the shore by a channel and
access was had by a long wooden bridge.

In addition to its military uses Governor's Island served as
a flagging station to report the arrival of ships before the in-
vention of the telegraph. New York's most famous hotel in
1823 was Holt's, afterward the United States Hotel, on Fulton
Street. This hotel had a lofty cupola in which a ship signal
station was located. When ships were sighted at Sandy Hook
the news was flagged to Staten Island, from Staten Island to
Governor's Island, the station being probably at the Castle,
and from there to the station on Holt's Hotel for the benefit
of the whole City.

In Wall's painting of the Castle (frontispiece) appears on
the parapet a cupola which it is reasonable to suppose was the
ship signal station.

Old pictures of the Castle, though later than this painting,
show a flag flving from a staff erected in the middle of the
courtyard. This flag was used 25 years ago for saluting and

104

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

other special purposes only, the garrison flag being at Fort
Jay. The staff was removed about 20 years ago. The guns,
except those on the parapet, were removed about the same
time.

In 1821 Fort Columbus was garrisoned by a battery of the
ist Artillery under the command of Lieut. Peter Melendy, Jr.*
It is not known what troops garrisoned Governor's Island
upon its occupation in 1809. In 1826, Bvt. Colonel W. Mac-
Rea, 2nd Artillery, was in command.

In 1832, thorough repairs of the works were begun and prose-
cuted until August, when the work was abandoned on account
of the cholera. In September. 1832, new barracks were begun
within the fort, some of the troops having previously en-
camped on the parade. The scarp wall, the counter scarp
revetments and the revetments of the glacis were completed,
also the facing of the covered way revetment leading from
Fort Columbus to the Castle.

In this year the Post was re-occupied by Battery F. 4th
Artillery, under command of Captain L. Whiting. In Sep-
tember Captain W. W. Tompkins with a large detachment
of recruits of the 2nd Dragoons arrived and assumed com-
mand.

In 1833 the sum of $50,000 was appropriated for repairs to
Castle Williams and Fort Columbus. How this was expended
?o far as the fort is concerned we learn from the report of
Capt. J. L. Smith, Corps of Engineers, who writes under date
of Oct. 19, 1833 (condensed) :

"The scarp and curtain are finished. The counter scarp
and revetment of the glacis are finished except the W. front.
The passage way through the postern is raised to the height
of the spring of the arch. Four cisterns, of 4,000 gallons each
are finished under the rampart. Four more are to be made.
The redan with casemated flanks on the N. front was formerly
approached from the parade through a gap in the rampart.
The gap has been filled by a magazine.

The part of the hollow passage near the salient of the redan

*For full list of Commanding Officers (v. p. 161).

105

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

is to be occupied by two magazines for fixed ammunition or
storage. This will enlarge the terreplain and the salient of
the redan. The parapets are sodded and the glacis is being
graduated."

Other additions and repairs to the Castle and Fort were
made in 1836, for which were appropriated $20,600.

Company B of the permanent party called the "music boys,"
a detachment of recruits for the field music of the army, occu-
pied the South Battery. On Dec. 28, 1836, the troops in gar-
rison, with the exception of the recuits of the 2nd Dragoons,
were ordered to Florida for the Seminole War.

On April 18, 1837, a battery of the ist Artillery under Capt.
J. Dimick occupied the post and Fort Columbus continued to
be an Artillery Post until November 15, 1852, when Gover-
nor's Island became a General Recruiting Depot vice Fort
Wood, pursuant to Genl. Orders No. 38, Series of 1852, A. G.
Office.

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

The Post was at once occupied by Battery A, ist Artillery,
under command of Capt. Joseph P. Sangcr, the garrison being
shortly afterwards strengthened by Battery D, of the same
Regiment.

From the Adjutant General's Notes we learn that a new
Barbette battery was built in the So's. This extended from the
neighborhood of the Post Chapel N. W. across the Parade
towards the Castle. It mounted a few guns and a modern
earthwork battery was begun but not completed, and the entire
battery was removed about 1893.*

Plans were drawn as early as 1869 for a "New Barbette
Battery" to cross the parade from the Castle S. E. to the
Colonels' Row, but this was for some reason never begun.

In June, 1892, the armament of this Post, as given by the
Adjutant General, was:

Thirty-six lo-inch Rodman guns, five 1 5-inch Rodman
guns, two 8-inch siege howitzers, five loo-pdr. Parrott guns,
two 45^2-inch rifles, two 24-pdr. Coehorn mortars, two 8-inch
siege mortars, two lo-inch siege mortars, one 13-inch sea
coast mortar. Field Artillery — three Catling guns, long bar-
rel, caliber 45.

No continuous records exist to show the dates of the various
buildings on the Island except the fortifications. The best
available data at present indicate the building dates about as
follows :

The Administration Building — date unknown — probably
about 1840.

The Post Headquarters Building is believed to be of some
antiquity. As stated elsewhere, the old name for it was "The
Governor's House," which, if historically correct, would take
it back to 1775 at the least. As late as 1872 and later it was
used for the main guard.f

The Commissary Building, 1845, and the Commanding Gen-
eral's Quarters, 1840.

* Remains of this battery were discovered in the Summer of 1910, when
the salt-water mains were laid across the Island.
t See p. 174.

107

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Numbers 2-5 inclusive, General's Row, 1855-7.

Other quarters in General's Row, 1875.

Colonels' Row— Various periods— 1875, 1878, 1888 and
1905.

Old Hospital — Main wing, now (1913) used as Eastern
Dept. Headquarters, 1840.

Regimental (Brick) Row, 1889 to 1908 (various dates).

New Hospital, 1880.

South Battery, 1812.

A tradition that this Battery was erected in 1834 arose
probably from the fact that a second story was added to it in
that year. This upper story was in red brick. The lower
story was painted yellow, and for several years this striking
artistic effect prevailed. At some period, perhaps the same,
the outer walls of the Battery, built of the Newark sand-
stone used for Castle Williams, were treated to a similar
wash, which is happily disappearing under the kindly in-
fluence of Nature.

Second addition to South Battery (Corbin Hall), 1904.

The present Officers' Club (South Battery) was used as a
Club house first about 1879. No records are available to show
the date of the foundation of the Club. A tradition lingers
that General Schofield was the founder of the Club, but' this
cannot be verified.

Previous to that time at various periods dances had been
given in the (present) Administration Building (west end),
the old Hospital, and in the (present) Quartermaster's Store
House adjoining the Post Quartermaster's Office. The wooden
wings of the Hospital of 1840 were built in 1862 and used
as a General Hospital during the Civil War. The School
House and Printing and Telegraph Offices are reminders of
this War Hospital.

Circular No. 4 (1870) mentions a married quarters near the
old brick Hospital, and states that the Post Cemetery referred
to elsewhere consisted of about half an acre.

An engineer map of 1857 shows a pump in the courtyard
of the Castle just 15 feet south of the centre.

108

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

As late as 1870 there was in the courtyard of the Castle a
reminder of the Civil War time in a long wooden building
used as a mess hall and kitchen for recruits. The upper tiers
of the Castle were used as recruit quarters during the re-
cruiting period, 1852-1878. The wooden building in the
Castle was 60 x 30 feet and had a roof-pitch of 8 feet. It
contained three small store-rooms and was furnished with
two doors and ten windows.

A reference to this is found under date of Deer. 7th, 1871,
when permission was asked to remove the powder from the
magazines in the Castle and to store it in the Post magazines
on the ground that "the fires kept in a wooden building used
as a mess room and kitchen renders the opening and closing
of the magazines dangerous."

In spite of the apprehension expressed in 1871, the powder
remained till after the arrival of General Hancock, when it
was removed from the Island except that which is stored in
the Garrison magazine on the west glacis of Fort Jay.

This magazine in the midst of traffic, passed monthly by
thousands, is probably not visited annually by a half dozen,
and yet it is, next to the Castle, the oldest building in undis-
turbed condition on Governor's Island, and is worth, for that
reason, a few words of description.

This little magazine on the west glacis slope is a stone build-
ing with a stone dove-tailed roof and double walls, the interior
ones of brick with ventilating apertures arranged to avoid
the outside windows. The interior sheathing of the magazine
is one inch white pine. On the north side is a ventilating win-
dow which at some period was bricked up and cemented. The
wooden inside door is furnished with fine copper bolts. The
interior ceiling is of heavy rough-hewn oak beams. On these
beams are painted in black a number of names and initials of
an early period, showing the magazine to date from at least
the period of the Castle, 1807-11, and probably earlier, as the
Castle had its own magazines and Fort Jay was (in part) of
earlier construction. These names are painted in bold char-

109

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

acters and some of them are of artistic excellence. Among
them are

W H 1812

C M 1812
C F Morton 1815

This magazine is at present used for the storage of saluting
powder. It is surrounded by a fence of venerable appearance
which is believed to have done picket duty long enough to
entitle it to honourable mention. The warning sign over the
door, though frequently renewed, also shows evidence of
antiquity in the lettering employed.

Other powder magazines are to be found in Fort Jay in the
north side of the barrack square. These magazines are on the
right and left of the enclosed area under the ramparts. They
have copper ventilators and barred entrances. In magazines
Nos. 2 and 6 are inside wooden doors, grated, with small
wooden trap doors near the top secured by a button on the
outside. These have no value for purposes of ventilation and
it is believed that at one period the magazines were used for
prisoners and that the traps were for passing in food.

During the Civil War a double guarded cell was maintained
in what is now the basement of K Co., 29th Infantry. This
consisted of an outside cell in which the guard was locked in
and an inner one for the prisoner. One or more celebrated
Confederate officers were imprisoned here before execution,
including Captain John G. Beall, a Naval officer, who with
two others, captured the S.S. "Philo Parsons" and S.S. "Island
Queen." His execution took place February 24, 1865.

An historical account of Governor's Island would not be
complete without reference to its oldest inhabitant, to whom
the author of this work washes to express his thanks for many
notes of historical interest.

Sergeant David Robertson, Hospital Steward, U. S. A.,
entered the Army in July, 1854, and has served continuously
in the Hospital Corps for 59 years.

Such length of service is almost unprecedented, and when it

no

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

is combined with unbroken duty in one Garrison it deserves
more than passing mention. In addition to his length of ser-
vice, Doctor Robertson has endeared himself to thousands of
officers and their families by his kindly nature as well as by
his professional skill of high order which has been unsparingly
given to all who needed his care, commanding Generals, offi-
cers of every rank, soldiers and civilians for nearly sixty years
of service, during three epidemics of cholera and two of yel-
low fever, besides the innumerable cases, surgical and medical,
that have been submitted to his skillful treatment.

While Doctor Robertson has been retired with full pay and
allowances he still remains (1913) on active duty, where his
friends hope long to find him.

Doctor Robertson and his wife lived for many years in their
cottage near the Chapel in the midst of an old-fashioned
garden that was one of the sights of Governor's Island. Mrs.
Robertson was the daughter of Lieutenant Michael Moore,
who was born July 4, 1800, and enlisted in 1812 for the War.
He retired in 1871 after many years of meritorious service
on Governor's Island.

Thus these two officers in one family represent in their own
persons 118 years of active service.

The little group of Lombardy poplar trees still left (1913)
at the edge of the Arsenal Yard is a reminder of a forest that
adorned Manhattan and Governor's Islands 100 years ago and
should be viewed with the respect due to the survivors of an
ancient race. The poplar was largely used in the i8th cen-
tury for the beautifying of the city. Guernsey tells us in his
book, "New York in the War of 1812," that Broadway was
literally lined with them on both sides from Bowling Green to
Sailors' Snug Harbour (loth Street) and that they were found
along the streets and lanes of the City and in the door-yards
of the homes. Paintings of that period show Governor's
Island with a lordly crown of stately poplars from its Eastern
to its Western end, notably the "Wall View," by Wm. C.
Wall, 1823, now the property of Mr. Wm. Havermeyer. An-
other view by Wall, belonging to the same family, painted in

in

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

1820, shows Castle Williams with the surf breaking at its
base and a sentry in uniform of the 1812 period.* Drawings
and paintings of Governor's Island by Chapman, Wood,
Howell, Stubbs, Stevenson and Bachman in the 3o's and 4o's
also show the long regimental line of poplars now shrunken
to the dimensions of a squad, but well worth notice, both for
their dignified beauty and for the story they tell us of the days
when old New York was young. John W. Francis in his
"Old New York" says the Lombardy Poplar was found in
great abundance in 1800-1805 and that it was introduced in
New York under direction of Louis XVI, who sent out the
elder Michaux from the Jardin des Plantes accompanied by a
gardener, Paul Sanier, who spread the poplar everywhere.

The old name of Jay, which had been discontinued about
the year 1810, was restored in 1904, according to the following
order:

General Orders. WAR DEPARTMENT,

No. 18. WASHINGTON, January 25, 1904.

The following order is published to the Army for the
information and guidance of all concerned—

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, January 20, 1904.

The fortification on Governor's Island, New York
Harbor, partly built 1/94-1795, enlarged and completed
1798-1801, and partly rebuilt 1806-1808, now known as
Fort Columbus, is hereby restored to its original name
of Fort Jay; and the said fortification and the Military
post located on the said Island will hereafter be known
and designated as Fort Jay.

ELIHU ROOT,

Secretary of War.

The change of name from Jay to Columbus is supposed to
have been due to Jay's temporary unpopularity with the Re-
publication party, which was not satisfied with the Jay Treaty
with England (1794). The treaty, however, proved its value,

* (Frontispiece.)

112

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

and Jay was twice elected Governor of New York after its
adoption.

The restoration of the original name is a graceful recog-
nition of the splendid character of the man of whom Daniel
Webster said: "When the spotless ermine of the judicial
robe fell on John Jay it touched nothing less spotless than
itself."

BUTTERMILK CHANNEL.

The question of the early condition of what we now call
Buttermilk Channel has been for many years an interesting
one. References to the matter appear in the Peter Jay Origi-
nal Letters (New York Historical Society). Peter Jay was
the Father of John Jay. The date of these letters was about

1750.

"Marabie Bevois says she is aged 84 years (near 85), was
born in New York. It's last May 63 years since she came to
live at Brookland (Brooklyn). Heard Jeromus Remsen's
mother say that there was only a small creek between Nutten
Island and the shoar and that a squah carried her sister over
it in a tub."

"Joost Van Brunt aged 77 years and upwards, born and
lived at New Utrecht — says he was about seven years old when
the Dutch came to take New York — says that a great deal of
the land's washed away against Nutten Island and it went
further out than now but can't say how much. Jeromus Rem-
sen aged 77 years says that he heard his mother say she was
carried off Nutten Island by a squah and that it was all sedge
and meadow, only a creek between Nutten Island and Long
Island; it is now 116 or 117 years since his mother was born;
has often heard people say that there was but a small creek
between Nutten and Long Island."

"A Mr. Van Alstine, upwards of eighty years of age in
1786, said he remembered when Governor's Island was sepa-
rated from Long Island only by a narrow creek, which was
crossed upon logs raised above the high tide."

113

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

The Minutes of the Common Council of New York furnish
this early reference to Ntitten (later, Governor's) Island,
which indicate that at that time it was so slightly separated
from the main land as to serve as a point of reference for the
main shore line. Otherwise the Red Hook line would have
been mentioned.

Report of the Committee appointed for enquiring into the
Ancient Rights and Privileges of this Citty — was read in the
words following (vizt.)

NEW YORK, Jan. Ye 24th, 1698 (9).

We have viewed And Examined the Records of the Citty
and doe find * * * * that all that Land from Ye Eastern
End of Nutten Island for half A Mile deep to Ye West point
of Ye Wallabout," &c.-

In the Colonial Documents (London) we read of this period
that in 1691

"Governor Sloughter arrived in New York in the Ship
"Arch Angell" in March, the troop ship having arrived two
months before. The officers of the two foot companies de-
manded entrance into their Matyes Fort of the Cittey but were
denied entrance by Jacob Leisler with the Stile of Lieut Gover-

nour. * * * *

* * * * * * * ' *

The Sd Leisler fortified himself in ye Fort and had 16 or
17 bulletts in ye fire Red hott to fire y€ towne withall.

The Noyze and Shouting yt followed upon ye Govr's landing
(being come in ye pinnas by the back side of Nutten Island)
made the hearts of his followers to divide," &c.

Nearly one hundred years later General Scott wrote as fol-
lows to John Jay, son of the Peter Jay whose Original Letters
are above quoted relative to Buttermilk Channel :

NEW YORK, 6th September, 1776.
********

We are liable every moment to have the communication
between us and the City cut off by the entrance of frigates

114

GARRISON EVENTS AND NOTES, 1868-1913

into the East River between Governor's Island and Long
Island, which General McDougall assured us from his
own nautical experience was very feasible.

********

Later, same date.

********

The Garrison was drawn off in the afternoon after our
retreat under fire of shipping which are now drawn up
just behind Governor's Island and the fire of some cannon
from the Long Island Shore, but with no other loss than
that of one man's arm.

Watson's Annals state that "an old gentleman in 1828 re-
members that as late as 1786 the Buttermilk Channel was
deemed unsafe for boats to pass through it because of numer-
ous rocks there. It was, however, secured for a boat channel
through which boats with milk and buttermilk usually made
their passage. My mother told me that when she first entered
New York Harbour (then a girl) she was surprised to see
all the market boats in the East River rowed by robust
women, their heads fitted with close caps, two women to an

oar."

Also the same authority states of Nutten Eylandt that it
was formerly nearly joined to Long Island by a low interven-
ing morass and a small dividing creek and that cattle passed
to and fro at low water.

Mr. James Le Baron Willard of Brooklyn writes to the
author: "I do not like to give up the idea which I have held
as a truth since childhood of 'crossing the channel'. told by
those whose word was well worthy of credence. It may be
the tales were but traditions so often told that they became
accepted as facts. However, I knozv that our Bay tides were
very much lower formerly than now."

There seems to be a strong consensus of opinion among
residents of Brooklyn Borough that the Channel was fordable
at an early period. Mr. Charles B. Pearson, a gentleman in
his QOth year, writes to Mr. Willard on the subject. He says
his father in law John Davidson was born in 1802 and was

"5

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

a Trinity Church school boy and chorister and that he had
often told the writer of wading across from Brooklyn to Gov-
ernor's Island through mud and over the stones — that he
used to skate from the Battery on the Hudson to Canal Street,
the main inlet, and along the inlet to Broadway and under a
stone bridge to the present Tombs prison. In those days
Water Street, as its name indicates, was on the East River
front. Now, there are two streets east of it, thus narrowing
the River there as the Atlantic Docks later did east of the
Island and deepening the channel to a considerable extent.
The excavations for the Atlantic Docks were made in 1842
and at a depth of 20 feet many roots of trees were found and
beneath them peat was discovered in considerable quantities.

Other old residents of Brooklyn recall that the tides in the
Buttermilk Channel were formerly less high than now ; and
that the Red Hook flats were not filled in until after 1846.
These facts, coupled with the building of the Atlantic Docks
opposite the Island and subsequent dredging of the Channel,
would easily explain the present navigable conditions of the
Channel. A resident of Governor's Island told the author
that she walked half across the Channel in 1849. This was
with the use of stepping stones at low tide.

It is difficult to reconcile the foregoing statements in toto
without fuller knowledge of conditions. For example, we
have the statement that in (about) 1630 it was a small creek
and that a "squah carried a child over in a tub" ; that it was
crossed in 1710 by "logs raised above the high tide" ; that the
"pinnas of the 'Arch Angell' came to the back side in 1691";
that the British frigates for shipping of war) were drawn up
"just behind Governor's Island" in 1776; that it was "full of
rocks and unsafe" in 1786; that John Davidson, born in 1802,
"waded across as a boy," probably in 1812, and that the "fort
to guard the pass at Buttermilk Channel was completed and
equipped" in March, 1813.

From the building of the fort in 1813 the obvious conclusion
is that it was navigable for ships of war, as Genl. Scott inti-
mates in his letter to John Jay in 1776, and yet statements of

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most undoubted veracity are made from 1630 to 1812 that it
was a sedgy creek, a fordable stream, a crossing for cattle, a
wading place for children.

Probably the safest conclusion in absence of positive infor-
mation is that local conditions varied with the years and that
it may have been possible to cross it occasionally under ex-
ceptional conditions of wind and tide, as the falls of Niagara
under certain conditions of ice formation may be crossed by
the daring adventurer. Of one thing we may be certain, viz,
that the sedge marsh of the lyth century is today a highly
important artery in the commercial system of the Port of New
York with a channel 1000 feet wide at the narrowest point
and a depth of 25 feet. The Navy Department sends large
battleships now through Buttermilk Channel, in striking con-
trast with the wooden Dreadnaughts of 1776, and it is planned
to increase the Channel to a depth of 35 feet, as it affords a
more direct route from the Navy Yard to the sea and also
obviates the necessity of excavating Diamond Reef, which
lies between Governor's Island and the Battery. The encircling
sea wall was built at different periods in the development of
the Island — the S. W. portion in 1866, and the N. portion from
the Castle to the Arsenal at a later period by the now wrell-
known writer, F. Hopkinson Smith.

We learn from the Tompkins papers that a fort existed at
an early period to defend Buttermilk Channel (p. 68). A
plan of the Fortifications of New York in 1814 in Lossing's
Field Book of the Revolution shows a considerable work at
the South Battery. This corresponds closely with this order
and with the fact that repairs were ordered for the South
Battery in 1832.

CHAPTER VI.
TRANSPORTATION IN FOUR CENTURIES.

i

1600-1913.

THE GOVERNOR'S ISLAND FERRY IN FOUR CENTURIES.

1600-1913.

It is a long cry from the Indian canoe of prehistoric times
and the colonial barge of Wouter Van Twiller in 1637 to the
"General Otis" of to-day; from the Pagganck Island of the
aborigines and the Nutten Island of the Dutch and the Gov-
ernor's Island as it began to be called in the time of Charles II
of England, to the Department and Regimental Headquarters
of the United States Army of 1913. With little imagination
one can see the gliding canoe of the red men putting out from
its wooded shores, and at a later period the thick-prowed yawl
of the Dutch occupation, succeeded again after 1674 by the
stately barge of the English Colonial Governors.

How busy our little port must have been when the famous
sawmill was built in 1639, and again when it was burned in
1647 "to save the Iron!" How our shores must have re-
sounded to the tramp of visiting thousands during the days of
the racetrack, in the time it was used as quarantine for immi-
grants by the act of June 13, 1710, and subsequent periods,
especially when the ten thousand Palatines were detained here
before being sent to populate Columbia and Greene Counties !
What stirring scenes during the erection of Castle Williams,
with landing of stores and supplies, and the feverish building
of the original Fort Jay, when professors and students of
Columbia College came down with their shovels and picks to
help the workmen complete the fort!

How the English Governors Hardy, De Lancey, Colden,
Moore, Dunmore and Tryon crossed over in the days when
our Island served as their official residence, the "Smiling
Garden of the Sovereigns of the Province," as an old historian

118

TRANSPORTATION IN FOUR CENTURIES

calls it, we do not know, but one can imagine the dignified
barges of that period, with their passengers of official import-
ance and the pleasant social activities which they served much
as our Quartermaster transports do to-day.

In 1732 appeared in Parker's "Post Boy" the following
advertisement :

"On Monday the 2nd of October next will be exposed for
sale at Pnblick \ endue a large fine barge with Awning and
Damask Curtains, two sets of oars, sails and everything that
is necessary for her. She now lies in the Dock and did belong
to the late Governor Montgomerie."

The following orders throw light upon the subject of later
English Colonial transportation :

COMMON COUNCIL,

CITY HALL, Nov. 8, 1756.
No. (1346) Warrant issued.

Ordered that Mr. Recorder issue his warrant to the
Treasurer of this City to pay the further sum of twenty-
eight pound, sixteen shillings, and five pence in full for
the Government Tax * * * of the ferry (to Governor's
Island).

The latest use of the term "Nutten" vice "Governor's"
the author has found contained in the MSS. Minutes of
the Common Council of the City of New York under
date of May 5, 1794, in which John Hillyer is authorized
to keep the Ferry to Nutten Island for one year and is
enjoined to provide "good boats." He is allowed to "re-
ceive three pence for each passenger and to carry fatigue
parties free."

FROM MSS. MINUTES OF COMMON COUNCIL.

Monday the 22nd June, 1795.

The Committee on the subject of a ferry from this City
to Governor's Island made a verbal report on the sub-
1 ject — •

Whereupon it was ordered that it be referred to the
Committee for directing public works on Governor's
Island, to make such arrangements for the establishing
of a safe and convenient ferry from this City to said

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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Island as they shall judge most proper, and that the
keeper of the said ferry be allowed to demand and receive
from each person (except such as shall be employed at
the Public Works and the Troops of the Garrison there)
six pence for going and six pence for returning.

Coming down to modern times we are reminded of the Civil
War period when the Castle was filled to overflowing with
prisoners and when at one time seven regiments were en-
camped within our limited borders. One who was living
here at the time describes the scenes in those days as being
stirring in the extreme. The Wisconsin regiment marched
on the Island 1,200 strong and made a particularly fine ap-
pearance, and the scene at Retreat from the parapets of Fort
Jay, with seven regiments, seven bands and seven separate
functions going on at once is described as having been a
thrilling spectacle.

About ten years before the Civil War the recruiting depot
was transferred from Governor's to Bedlow's Island. This
was before the advent of the steam ferry and the difficulties
encountered by all who had occasion to visit either Post may
be gathered from the recorded mention of the movements to
and fro of the Reverend John McVickar, D.D., Chaplain of
Governor's Island from 1844 to 1862, as found in Dr. Dix's
History. He says (p. 9 of his book) : "Transit was effected
by open barges. In all seasons of the year, in stormy or fair
weather, on Sundays and when required on week days, the
venerable Chaplain might be seen making his journeys from
the Battery to the two Islands, visiting the permanent gar-
rison at Governor's Island and the recruits at Bedlow's; and
in the most bitter winter's cold, sitting in the stern sheets,
wrapped in his military cloak, as the oarsmen pushed their way
through drift ice in the bay and against the strong tides off
the Battery." This transfer of recruits to Bedlow's Island
was only temporary.

During Dr. McVickar's Chaplaincy there was no steam ser-
vice between the Islands and the City. All communication
was by barge at all seasons of the year, the Government land-

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TRANSPORTATION IN FOUR CENTURIES

ing being at Castle Garden, now the Aquarium in New York
City, which at that time was connected with the Battery by a
bridge-way.

Such adverse circumstances were met daily by the members
of the Garrison in the winter months.

A lady who is now making her home with an officer's
family on Governor's Island remembers distinctly the barge
in which she used to travel to and from the City in visiting
the Island sixty-eight years ago. It was similar in general
appearance to the launches now used by the Navy and had a
close-fitting canvas cover.

Great were the difficulties of passage for those on pleasure
bent in cold and storm and darkness, but, as she recalls,
greater still was the difficulty of remembering the counter-
sign without which no one was admitted within the frowning
draw-bridge gate of Fort Jay, where in those days all the
officers' families resided.

It is interesting to note that the Barge Office at the Battery
recalls by its title the fact that from the earliest days of the
occupation of Governor's Island by the Colonial Governors
in the I7th Century to the Civil War of the igth Century
transportation with the mainland was effected by small boats
and barges.

The first place of which we have record as a point of de-
parture from the Battery was a landing just south of the
Castle, later Castle Garden, now the municipal Aquarium.
This was in 1854 and probably had served for very many
years, as the Castle was until the Civil War period separated
from the mainland by water and the land on which the pres-
ent Barge Office now stands was not made until about the
same period.

There were at this time two barges in service, similar to the
one in the illustration, one the Commanding Officer's, and one
for general service. These boats carried twelve passengers
each and were manned by a crew of six rowers in naval uni-
form, with a non-commissioned officer in command as cox-
swain. They made three trips a day each, the last one being

121

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

at 5 P. M. in summer and 4 in winter. The landing-place on
Governor's Island was at a stairway just north of the present
pier.

The Ordnance maintained its own boat, rowed by two men.
There were in addition to these official barges a fleet of eight
or ten small boats plying to Pacific Street, Brooklyn, which
were found convenient for persons going to market. The
fare on these boats was i2l/2 cents a trip. The late Captain
James Feeney began his career in this service about the year
1860, and these private boats continued in service some time
after the steamboat era.

During the contract period of transportation the price of
passage was fifteen cents, return for twenty-five cents. School
children received commutation rates of ten cents a day, and a
late theatre boat cost fifteen dollars.

The family of the late Reverend E. H. C. Goodwin, Chap-
lain from 1871-1904, have in their possession an original
order signed by General Hancock, as follows :

HEADQRS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ATLANTIC

AND

DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST.
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, N. Y.

To the A.A.G.- October 30, 1883.

or Captain Tug "Atlantic" —

Let there be an extra boat coming this way for Rev.
Mr. Goodwin and party at 11:30 P. M. to-night.

W. SCOTT HANCOCK,

Major Gen., U. S. A.
(From Battery at n 130 p. M.)

It was in 1861 that the steam vessels were first engaged
regularly in the ferry service. The first boat was the "Gen-
eral Scott." This was succeeded by the "General McClellan,"
and that by the "Governor's Island." These were small ves-
sels of the tugboat type. In 1878 the "Atlantic," a larger
boat of the same type, was employed. At this time Head-
quarters of the Department were established on the Island,

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TRANSPORTATION IN FOUR CENTURIES

and with this boat, or possibly earlier with the "Governor's
Island," a Government contract was made and persons using
them were not required to pay ferriage. At first, and for
some time, the steamers ran only till dark. This service has
been gradually improved till the present admirable schedule
of a boat every half hour from 6:45 A. M. till I A. M. has been
reached.

The "Madden," a small tugboat, owned by Sergeant Gub-
bins and a man named McKitchie, ran from 1870 to about
1873, when its owners sold it and bought the "Governor's
Island," which was used for about five years. The fare on
this boat was twenty-five cents the round trip.

In 1898 a great improvement was inaugurated in the build-
ing of the "General Hancock," a vessel on ferry-boat lines,
which has done good work for fifteen years.

The "Col. Wikof" served as an auxiliary boat for about
twelve years, and there have been various launches of late
years for the use of the Department Commander, the present
one, the "Lieutenant Ward Cheney," being a beautiful speci-
men of marine architecture. In 1910 the "General Otis"
took the place of the "General Hancock" as the transport
between Governor's Island and the Battery. This boat, with
its larger cabins, more ample decks and accommodations for
horses, carriages, wagons and motor cars, gives better service
than has ever been enjoyed before, and in the fourth century
of the history of the Governor's Island ferry points to the
future of the enlarged Post and populous Garrison that is to be.
The official figures given by the Chief Quartermaster's Office
for transportation of passengers between Governor's Island
and the Battery on the Q. M. Steamers "General Hancock"
and "General Otis" for the month of April, 1913, state the
number as 45,999. This is considered an average month.

A new landing has been made on the north side of the
Island near the Quartermaster Storehouse. When this is in
service the time of transit will be reduced. A new Barge
Office is also being constructed at the Battery just opposite.

The accompanying illustration of the barge is the only one

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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

known to exist, and is taken from a photograph belonging to
the late Captain James Feeney, who served, with great faith-
fulness, forty-nine years, boy and man, in the transportation
of the Governor's Island Garrison to and from the City.

Captain Wm. Gray Loring has been in the Government
transportation service for 40 years, of which 4 have been
spent in Boston Harbour and 36 in the Governor's Island
service. There are few officers of long service in the Army
who do not know Capt. Loring and all who know him recall
with pleasure his genial character, his fund of deep-sea yarns
and his attachment to the friends he has made on his countless
trips across the salt highway.

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CHAPTER VII.
THE NEW YORK ARSENAL.

The date of the establishment of the New York Arsenal is
unknown. In Vol. I of "Ordnance Reports" Colonel Decius
Wadsworth of the Ordnance in a letter to the Secretary of
War dated Nov. 13, 1812, relative to the duties of the Ord-
nance Department as a "new Establishment" and of needed
stations says:

"The present establishment at New York may be continued
on a reduced scale as subordinate for the purpose of supplying
the seaboard with such articles as a laboratory can most con-
veniently furnish."

During the War of 1812 Governor's Island was the scene
of great military activity, but whether the laboratory men-
tioned above was in New York City or on the Island cannot
be definitely determined from the records here.

Colonel Wadsworth in another letter to the Secretary of
War dated February 8, 1816, says: * * * *

"The laboratory near New York will suffice for supplying
Maritime posts." * * * Whether this refers to a place on
Governor's Island cannot be determined from the context. It
is possible the reference is to one of the Arsenals in the City.

In June, 1812, as we learn from Guernsey, there was a
United States Arsenal on Bridge Street, back of Government
House, near the Battery. This was of brick and was con-
sidered a good work for the locality. There was also a three-
story brick magazine near it.

The United States also held a plot of 2 acres on the Hudson
River at the foot of West I2th Street on which were a maga-
zine, arsenal and laboratory. The laboratory was surrounded
by a brick wall 9 feet high. Fort Gansevoort was erected
later upon this site.

Another U. S. Arsenal was at the junction of the old Bos-
ton Road and Middle Road (now Madison Square), in the

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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

grounds laid out for the Parade in 1811. This Arsenal was
built by State appropriation with the expectation that the
United States would repay. The Parade contained 238 7/IQ
acres and extended from 23d to 34th Street and from 7th
Avenue to 3rd Avenue. It was used for military exercises
and for a place to assemble the forces destined to guard the
City.

In April, 1814, it was reduced to 89 i/io acres; later to
less than 7 acres, the present Madison Square.

On page 68, Vol. I of "Ordnance Reports," referred to
above, will be found a "Statement of the battering cannon,
mortars, howitzers, shots, shells and carriages not in service,
deposited in the several arsenals and depots in the United
States." A statement is given there of the number of each
stored at "Arsenal, New York City." This is under date of
January 29, 1822, and refers, no doubt, to an ordnance storage
yard on Governor's Island.

The Arsenal may be said to have been definitely started
when buildings were commenced here in 1833 under an ap-
propriation made by Congress, the work being carried out by
an Engineer Officer, Captain J. L. Smith, Captain of. Engineers,
under direction of the Chief of Ordnance. The buildings were
paid for by the Ordnance Department.

The Commanding Officer's quarters and quarters No. 2
were erected in 1839 and enlarged in 1852. Quarters No. 3
were built in 1884. The old office was built in 1853, the new
(present) office in 1860. The seven other buildings were
erected between 1835 and 1904. A fire engine was maintained
in service on the Arsenal Reservation from 1867 till 1910,
when salt water mains were installed for the entire Island.
An old Engineer map of the Arsenal marks a pump at a point
near the S. E. corner of the store-house connected with the
commanding officer's quarters. This probably represents the
spring house described on p. 102.

In 1878 the Military Service Institution was formed, with
General Winfield Scott Hancock as its head. The Institution
was located on Governor's Island, where it established its

126

THE NEW YORK ARSENAL

headquarters, with library and museum. It is at present
(1913) housed in the building known as the "Clock Tower
Building," in which the late Brig.-Gen. T. F. Rodenbough,
Secretary, had his office and where the present Secretary,
Brig.-General James N. Allison, is now located.

The area of the Arsenal is about 6^/2 acres.

A list of commanding officers, from 1831 to the present day,
follows :

NEW YORK ARSENAL.

ASSUMED

NAMES OF OFFICERS RANK COMMAND

SAMUEL PERKINS M. S. Keeper Dec. 31, 1831

S. H. WEBER M. S. Keeper Nov. 11, 1834

SAMUEL PERKINS M. S. Keeper April 5, 1835

J. A. J. BRADFORD Capt. O. D Sept. 15, 1835

GEO. D. RAMSEY Capt. O. D Oct. i, 1836

L. L. VAN KLEECK M. S. Keeper Nov. 9, 1836

J. F. LEE Lt. Cps. Engrs Oct. 1 1 , 1837

GEO. H. TALCOTT Lt. O. D Oct. 1838

I. A. D'LAGUEL Capt. O. D Mar. 27, 1839

L. L. VAN KLEECK M. S. Keeper May 21, 1840

W. A. THORNTON Capt. O. D July 2,1840

GEO. H. TALCOTT Bvt. Lt.-Col. O. D. July 31, 1849

W. A. THORNTON Bvt. Major O. D. . .Oct. i, 1851

R. H. K. WHITELEY Capt. O. D Nov. 20, 1854

W. A. THORNTON Bvt. Major O.D...May 31, 1858

R. H. K. WHITELEY Capt. O. D May 14, 1861

R. A. WAINWRIGHT Major O. D Oct. 23, 1862

SILAS CRISPIN Capt. O. D Apr. 14, 1864

A. R. BUFFINGTON Capt. O. D July 12, 1864

W. A. THORNTON Col. O. D June 19, 1865

C. BRYANT Lieut. O. D Apr. 6, 1866

T. T. S. LAIDLEY Maj. O. D May 15, 1866

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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

ASSUMED
NAMES OF OFFICERS RANK COMMAND

SILAS CRISPIN Lt.-Col. O. D Apr. 10, 1871

T. G. BAYLOR Maj. O. D June 10, 1876

G. W. McKEE Maj. O. D July 17, 1883

T. G. BAYLOR Col. O. D Oct. 3, 1883

CHAS. SHALER Capt. O. D May 15, 1885

A. MORDECAI Lt.-Col. O. D May 25, 1886

J. MCALLISTER Col. O. D July i, 1886

A. MORDECAI Lt.-Col. O. D Dec. 30, 1886

CHAS. SHALER Capt. O. D Mar. 28, 1887

A. MORDECAI Lt.-Col. O. D Apr. 16, 1887

J. E. GREER Capt. O. D Dec. n, 1889

A. MORDECAI Lt.-Col. O. D 'Dec. 17, 1889

G. COMLY Maj. O. D Feby. 9, 1892

FRANK HEATH Capt. O. D Apr. 19, 1894

F. H. PHIPPS Maj. O. D May 18, 1894

JOHN G. BUTLER Maj. O. D June 10, 1899

J. W. REILLY Lt.-Col. O. D Sept. 13, 1900

J. E. GREER Lt.-Col. O. D Aug. i, 1903

R. BIRNIE Lt.-Col. O. D Sept. 19, 1907

O. B. MITCHAM Lt.-Col. O. D Oct. i, 1907

The New York Arsenal has a charm and interest all its
own, with its well-situated quarters, its groups of offices, its
trees and walks and splendid views of the City, its towering
buildings, the harbour, rivers and bridges. The records of
Commanding Officers herewith given for a period of 82 years
are exact and the author is indebted for these and for the
dates of the buildings to the present Commanding Officer,
Colonel Orin B. Mitcham, Ordnance Department.

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CHAPTER VIII.

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE.

The earliest mention of religions ministrations on Gover-
nor's Island, beyond the occasional services of the Church of
England held for Colonel Prescott's Regiment in 1776, is in
connection with the Reverend John McVickar, D.D., Chap-
lain of Governor's Island from 1844-1862.

Dr. McVickar was a resident of the City of New York, a
man of culture and distinction in literary and church circles,
and at that time professor of moral and intellectual philosophy,
belles-lettres, political economy, and the evidences of natural
and revealed religion in Columbia College, a position which he
rilled with dignity and success. As he had already reached the
age of fifty-five, his friends were fearful of the consequences
of adding to his other duties those of an army chaplain; nay,
strenuous efforts were made to persuade him to decline the
offer. But remonstrance was in vain ; Dr. McVickar was a
devoted churchman and deeply interested in mission work,
and had felt for a long time a warm and special interest in
soldiers and all their concerns. He therefore promptly ac-
cepted the proffer of the Government, and, as the call came
during vacation at the college, he entered on his duties with-
out the loss of a day. For eighteen years (1844-62) he held
that position, serving not merely with efficiency, but with
what might be called an enthusiastic devotion to the work.
It is recorded of him by his biographer that he declared that
he would resign his professorship in Columbia rather than
the chaplaincy with its hard work among the soldiers and its
salary of $700 a year. He was obliged, however, to resign in
1862, at the age of seventy-five.

There was then no chapel and Dr. McVickar held services
in fine weather in a little grove of trees near the present
Colonels' Row. At other times he used one of the rooms of
the Post Headquarters, which proved inconvenient to all con-

129

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

cerned. He made requisitions for a chapel building, but
without success.

He therefore set about building one himself, and with gener-
ous contributions from his own family and of friends whom
he interested in the work and with substantial aid from Trinity
Church, New York, which at that early date evinced an inter-
est it has never ceased to hold, he gathered funds sufficient for
the purpose.

The Commander-in-Chief, General Scott, was strongly in-
terested in the plans and gave them the benefit of his influence
for the good of the churchless garrison. The War with
Mexico broke out during the period of the Chapel's erection,
but it helped rather than hindered the work, and the little
building, which Chaplain McVickar describes as "having the
two elements of humility and reverence," was soon completed
and was consecrated by the Rt. Reverend Wm. H. De Lancey
on April 19, 1847.

Chaplain McVickar served with great faithfulness from
1844 to 1862, at which time the War Department insisted that
the Chaplain, owing to war conditions, should reside on
Governor's Island. This was impossible in that day of limited
transportation, and so with great regret he resigned his posi-
tion and devoted the remainder of his active life to his Col-
lege duties.

Chaplain McVickar was born in New York the loth of
August, 1787, and died in 1868, six years after giving up his
much-loved duties on Governor's Island.

Inasmuch as he was the founder of religious work and in-
fluence here, it may not be deemed amiss to mention some
matters of interest connected with his life and work in and
for the Garrison taken from his biography written by his son,
William A. McVickar.

Speaking of Dr. McVickar's appointment by the Secretary
of War upon the nomination of the Council of Administration
of the Garrison of which Dr. Joseph Pynchon Russell, Post
Surgeon, was a member, in 1844, his biographer says:

"My father had now reached his fifty-sixth year; a time of

130

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

life when most men, if they do not think of rest, do still hesi-
tate about adding to their work. Yet we find him this year
accepting the chaplaincy of Fort Columbus in the harbor of
New York.

J Ie had always been fond of parochial work, and was not
only ever ready to assist his brother clergymen, but constantly
went out of his way to do so ; generally singling out those,
whether young or old, who he had reason to believe were
over-worked. A friend and relative knowing his feelings in
this respect, and being also acquainted with the officers of this
Post, mentioned his name and secured his appointment. This
unexpected proffer of missionary work, for it was really such,
the performance of which was rendered possible by residence
at the post not being required, came during the college vaca-
tion, and my father accepted it at once.

On first entering upon his duties, the chaplain found no
place set apart for public worship, except the large room used
on week-days as Post Headquarters, and on several Sundays
business requirements forced him to vacate even this and go
to an inconvenient upper room for service. This quickly de-
termined him to make an effort for a chapel, but he found
the matter surrounded with apparently insurmountable diffi-
culties. Government was not accustomed to build chapels;
nor was it willing either to make an appropriation for the pur-
pose, nor to allow others, even if prepared, to build on gov-
ernment ground. But there was determined perseverance on
the one side, and probably friends at court on the other; not
least among the latter being the then commander-in-chief of
the army, General Scott. The result was a personal lease
from the government of about one hundred and fifty feet
square, on the south side of the island, subject to the exigen-
cies of war; and within the year, the completion of a most
tasteful and church-like building of wood after my father's
own plans, and from funds, given and collected by himself.

The war with Mexico breaking out at this time increased
greatly the difficulties to be overcome. These were fully ap-

131

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

predated, as the following extract from a letter from an Army
officer to the chaplain shows :

"To me, and I believe all of us, the interest of the Church
is greatly enhanced by its erection in war times on the very
scene of active preparation for distant service. It seems a
happy omen of those times when war shall be known no more.
That it is fairly erected and completed seems to me almost a
miracle, and to you, dear sir, it must seem almost a creation.
It has taught me a lesson in the power of faith and perseverance
that I trust I shall never forget. Those of us who knew the
peculiar and tormenting discouragements under which you
labored, and which seemed to us insurmountable, cannot too
highly appreciate a labor which not only benefits Governor's
Island but the whole army."

Another officer, writing from the far-off field of battle,
says:

"I am much pleased to hear of your final and complete suc-
cess in building a church on the Island, and shall place my
small donation in your hands at the first good opportunity.
May its hallowed walls echo back strains of pure devotion
from the hearts and lips of its fortunate attendants, and may
its erection prove the means of turning many from the power
of Satan unto God. If it shall be my privilege to return again
to the United States, it will arouse no ordinary feelings of
emotion in my heart to enter into the courts of our little
sanctuary, and there to join the voice of prayer and praise to
Him who is the God of dangers and of protection. Be so
kind, my dear sir, in your next letter, as to describe its posi-
tion and its form, even in details."

Fort Columbus from 1850 was the great recruiting depot of
the army; the numbers, therefore, that came under the chap-
lain's notice in war times was greatly increased. As the com-
mon soldier is not generally considered very impressible, we
may judge somewhat of the spiritual power of the work
centring round this little chapel by knowing that it received
several bequests from soldiers dying in the hospitals of Mexico.
The circle of its influence was a large one. The regiments

132

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

were often changed, and when they were, a practical symbolism
was enlisted to give permanency to the spiritual impressions
already made. The communicants among the commissioned
officers were assembled by the chaplain and requested to
choose a Bible text which should be the motto of their regi-
ment, this was then inscribed, with proper device and color,
on a metal shield, with the name of the regiment and solemnly
hung on the walls of the chapel, a binding link to the absent, a
suggestive subject of reflection to the present worshippers.

In July, 1849, writing to an absent son, my father says:
'The little Church of St. Cornelius is growing in historic in-
terest as well as beauty. The three successive commands of
the Island have all their mementoes on its walls — texts selected
by them with appropriate shields; and what is more satis-
factory yet, I never had better attendance from the officers."*
An interesting episode occurred after the close of the Mexi-
can War in the encampment for a time on Governor's Island
of what was called the California Regiment of Colonel Steven-
son. This was a semi-military colony, under government
patronage, going to take practical possession of the newly
acquired territory of California. The proposed expedition
aroused all my father's clear-sighted zeal, both for the com-
monwealth and the Church. He saw how much of the future
of California, civil and ecclesiastical, might depend on the
character and moral impetus of these men. He knew that
they were mostly adventurers, but he never doubted the germ
of goodness within. He worked among them untiringly, and
before they sailed — they were going by the six months' voyage
round the Horn — he persuaded them to elect a chaplain, de-
termine on daily prayers on shipboard, and take the nominal
position at least of a God-fearing body. The American Bible
Society and the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book

* These shields are described on p. 148. When the new Chapel was
built (1906) they were removed from the old Chapel, carefully mounted
on oak and hung on the walls of the south transept, where they serve as a
reminder of the devotion of Dr. McVickar and of the manly piety of the
soldiers of his day and generation. Requiescant omnes in pace.

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Society were brought into requisition to enable him to make
distribution to every man of a Bible and, to every one that
desired it, a Prayer Book. This distribution was made the
occasion of a farewell address, which, at the request of the
officers, was printed and distributed among the men as a
memento of home, for California was then a terra incognita,
and felt to be, as it really was, very far away.

The request of the Committee of Officers for a copy of this
farewell address, which was made at the distribution of Bibles
and Prayer Books to the Regiment prior to its sailing for Cali-
fornia and which was printed, is dated "Camp Polk, Gover-
nor's Island, 7th Reg't N. Y. U. S. A. Volunteers, Sept. nth,
1846," and the Doctor's acknowledgment of the courtesy was
dated the following day.

Of his ministrations among the sick, it is sufficient to say
that he was faithful, and never allowed personal fear, and
seldom personal weariness, to interpose a barrier. When the
cholera was raging on Governor's Island in 1849, he writes to

an absent member of his family : "Dr I was with

last night, who, both for his own sake and that of his family,
is very dear to me. I am afraid we shall lose him. It has
terminated in cholera, which has carried off so many. I shall
return to a sorrowing, perhaps desolate house, but God's will
be done. It is painful beyond measure to lose, as I do, the
mourners also, by their removal from my care and sympathy."

As I copy these lines, evidently written before breakfast,
after an anxious night's visitation, and telling of the simple
way in which the chaplain went in and out among his cholera
sick, I am forcibly reminded of his devoted successor in the
chaplaincy, the Revd. Alexander Davidson, the second chaplain
from Trinity Church, who has but just laid down his young
life, a sacrifice to the same sense of duty, as he went in and
out among the sick soldiers, during the late prevalence of yel-
low fever on the island. His record as given by his com-
manding officer is a very noble one, and if imagination might
be allowed to picture choice meetings in the spirit world, it
would find here congenial material.

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

Many letters show the personal interest which my father
took in the new recruits, especially those who had seen better
days, and who, by misfortune or wrong-doing, had been in-
duced to enlist in the army. Several, so situated, were through
his influence at Washington freed from their enlistment and
restored to their friends. Foreigners also, who could neither
speak nor write English, but who were well educated, and who
from necessity had been forced to enlist, often found in the
Latin tongue a means of communication which must have
been to them a great comfort. *

The following letter, found among the Chaplain's papers, is
an example of this, pathetic in its simplicity.

DOMINE PASTOR:

Quod tibi scribo, excusa me.

Te rogare volui tit curam haberes pro me Majorem
optare ut me in Partem Permanentem transferret.

Simul curriculum vitse mese tibi refero ut de me jtidi-
care possis.

Filius Pastoris primarii Magdeburgiensis sum, In
prima classe Gymnasii Latini Halbertstadiensis versatus
sum.

Postea quinque annos mercator fui in quibus Collegium
Carolinum Brunoswigii visitavi.

Capitanus in Bello Danico fui et infelix fortuna politicio
me in hanc partem mundi translulit. Non amicum qui
me novit habeo. Rogo ut te metim optatum audias.

* CAROLUS ARMINIUS THRYHSSON.

The "permanent party" referred to in the above was the per-
manent garrison of the Island, the members of which were not
liable to be sent to distant posts, and had other privileges.

* Translation —

REVEREND PASTOR:

Excuse me for troubling you with a letter.

I wish to ask you to be so very kind as to request the Major to transfer
me to the Permanent Party.

I will now tell you something of my life so that you can judge what kind
of man I am.

I am the Son of the Chief Pastor of the City of Magdeburg and a grad-

135

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Only the best men were put upon it and it was considered an
honor as well as an advantage to belong to it.

These chaplaincy duties, running over a period of eighteen
years, having commenced with one war, were destined to
terminate with another. My father's feelings with regard to
the War of the Rebellion are well expressed in the following
few lines of a home letter: —

"April 17, 1861, — Our April has been stormy, but less so
than our national affairs. It is a crisis I could never have
believed in, and even now can scarcely realize ; but it alters
not our rule of life — duty and Christian hope. When earth is
dark, we must look to Heaven for light. Civil war is upon
us. It might, perhaps, have been avoided, but must now be
met, and the Federal government supported at all hazards and
any cost. We must now conquer peace. The interval, long
or short, will be one of trials and self-denials such as we have
not been accustomed to, but with a brave heart and God's
Blessing we shall go through them."

Under the regulations then in force soldiers were required
to attend divine service and on the sounding of the Church
call were marched to and seated in the lower half of the
Chapel. Those only were excused who were on duty that
prevented or who could plead religious scruples. These, how-
ever, had to remain in quarters during divine service and have
the Articles of War and Regulations read to them and some
amusing tales are traditional from McVickar's time of men
who after comparing the Regulations and the Chaplain's ser-
mons decided in favour of the latter as the less of two evils.

The reader who has followed thus far this historical ac-
count will have observed that Governor's Island is sui generis

uate in the highest class of the Latin Classical Academy of Halbertstadt
(Prussia).

For five years after my graduation I was engaged in business during
which time I attended the Caroline College at Brunswick.

I also served in the Army with rank of Captain in our war with Den-
mark and then by an unhappy turn of the wheel of fortune I find myself
in this part of the world, unknown, without a friend to help me. I
earnestly beg that you will hear this my prayer.

136

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

in every department of its military and social activities. It
will not be surprising, therefore, to find it so in its ecclesiastical
relations.

Dr. McVickar was selected by the Post Council of Ad-
ministration according to the regulations of 1838. In those
days the pay of Chaplain was forty dollars a month, four
rations per day, quarters and fuel, increased in 1849 to not to
exceed sixty dollars a month, subject to the approval of the
Post Council.

The Chaplaincy of Governor's Island has remained during
all succeeding years on the basis of its establishment in 1844,
except that since 1868 the financial support of the Chaplain
has been borne by the Trinity Church Corporation. This is
somewhat analogous to the corps of Acting Post Chaplains
in the British Army, of whom there are a number carried on
the rolls in addition to the regular commissioned Chaplains.
These have their regular parochial work but may be called
upon, as reserves, by the War Department for special duty
when their services are required. The arrangement in force
at Governor's Island is more favourable to the Government,
however, as is also the status of the Chapel building, which is
for the sole use of the Government in the persons of the
Governor's Island establishment, whereas in England and
Germany today the Military Garrisons in most cases share a
parish Church with the regular congregation, as, for instance,
at Carlisle, where the author has been present at service on
Sunday, the command from the Castle in the City marching in
and occupying assigned sittings, the officers sitting in the
choir stalls.

In Germany there are but a few Garrison Chapels besides
the ones at Berlin and Potsdam and the garrisons use the local
churches as best they may. The author quotes the following
passage on this subject from the valuable observations of
Chaplain Joseph Clemens, I5th U. S. Infantry, on duty at
Tientsin, China:

"The French have no chaplains, neither have the Italians,
except for soldiers in the provinces. The Germans have

i37

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Romanist and Protestant chaplains at all garrisons, who also
visit the smaller posts periodically. When no chaplain is ob-
tainable the commanding officer reads the service. Regimental
chaplains rank as captains, superintending chaplains as lieu-
tenant colonels. They are paid from the war budget. Roman
Catholic and Protestant chaplains are forbidden to talk to any
but those of their own faith; the orthodox (Lutheran) may
talk to all. They visit the hospitals and prisons.

The Russians provide an Orthodox, a Romanist and a Pro-
testant at each large garrison. For smaller posts they provide
an Orthodox chaplain, and for each prison and hospital, but
for others they provide chaplains by districts. They do not
rank as officers nor wear uniforms, on account of the union of
Church and State. The chaplains of one creed are not for-
bidden to talk to men of another creed. In Russia soldiers
are ordered to service twice a week, but elsewhere a priest
comes at certain times, and the C.O. conducts services on holy-
days and special occasions. Chaplains are paid from the war
budget.

The British provide chaplains for soldiers everywhere, ac-
cording to the credal preference made by the soldiers when
entering the service, whether Orthodox (Church of England),
Romanist or Dissenters (Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians,
etc.). Chaplains rank from citizens to a chaplain general, but
do not wear uniforms. They visit the outposts of their com-
mands weekly. When civilian chaplains are employed they
receive one shilling a man per annum. An officer accompanies
each detail of men to their various services once a week under
orders.

Speaking generally, it may be said the chaplains of European
Armies are employed in religious work only."

Dr. McVickar, the venerable founder of the work here, was,
like some of the recognized Chaplains in the British Army
to-day, a civilian chaplain, and all who have followed him for
70 years have been the same, except Chaplain La Tourette,
who served here 1865-8.

The students of Columbia in the 40*5 and 5o's had a song

138

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

about this distinguished scholar and cleric in allusion to his
Army chaplaincy which it is supposed amused him as much as
the students themselves. The refrain was as follows :

"01 Johnny McVickar s a warlike man;
Pie's built on the preaching and fighting plan-
He s chaplain of Governor's Island."

At this time Columbia College was at Park Place near the
Battery. Dr. McVickar wore a military cape and cap in his
attendance at the College as well as when on duty at Fort
Columbus and was accustomed to hang them on a hook in
view of the students. The author has been told by a dis-
tinguished clergyman of the Church who was a student at
Columbia under Dr. McVickar in the Class of 1856 that the
Reverend Professor-Chaplain was very proud of his chaplaincy
at Governor's Island as well as of the cap which he wore, and
the students, who, it seems, were very much as students are
today, appreciating this very pardonable pride, but determined
to turn it to good account, formulated a set of verses of which
the chorus as given above alone remains.

Columbia College thus has three points of connection with
Governor's Island — first, when under the early Governors a
certain tract was set apart for the College Revenue, but never
used; second, in 1797, when its Professors and students in a
body worked on the fortifications ; and third, in giving one of
its Professors, from 1844 to 1862, as the Chaplain of Gover-
nor's Island. The labours of the College body on the Harlem
fortifications in 1814 must also be remembered (p. 54).

The following inscription is carved on one of the stone
sedilia in the Chapel:

139

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

In

Memory of

JOHN McViCKAR

Priest and Doctor

Born 1787, Died 1868

Chaplain of this Post

1844-1862
By whose wisdom and

liberality the first

Chapel of St. Cornelius

the Centurion was

erected in 1846

The law of truth
was in his mouth,

and iniquity

was not found in

his lips.

Dr. McVickar was succeeded in the chaplaincy by the Rev.
Mr. Scudder, who held that office from 1862 until 1865.

Upon his retirement the Rev. James Armour Moore La
Tourette was appointed in his place. He was a clergyman of
the Episcopal Church and served as commissioned chaplain
from 1865 until 1868.

One of the Sanctuary sedilia has been designated as a
memorial of him, and is thus inscribed :

In

Memory of

JAMES ARMOUR MOORE
LA TOURETTE,

Priest.

Born 1826. Died 1891.
Chaplain of this

Post,
1865-1868.

Faithful in the dis-

charge of duty, notably

in the siege of Asiatic

cholera of 1866.

Instant in season

Out of season.

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RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

In 1868 it was announced by the War Department that as
the Island is within the limits of the City of New York, the
religious bodies of that city ought to feel interest enough in
the spiritual welfare of the men on the Island to supply them
with the ministrations of religion. Trinity Church being in
the First Ward, in full view from the Island and close at hand,
the Rector and Vestry responded without delay to the sug-
gestion of the Government, and immediately made a pro-
posal to the War Department to maintain a clergyman at the
post at their own expense, who should perform the accustomed
duties of a commissioned chaplain. The proposal was ac-
cepted August, 1868, as appears from the followng extracts
from the collection of documents relating to this subject:

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON, August nth, 1868.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL D. BUTTERFIELD,
Superintendent Gen'l Rec'g Service,
New York City.

SIR:

Referring to the recommendation contained in your in-
dorsement of the 3ist ultimo forwarding a proposition
made by the Vestry of Trinity Church, New York, to fur-
nish and pay a clergyman to conduct religious and school
exercises at Governor's Island, New York Harbor, said
clergyman to be allowed quarters and fuel by the Govern-
ment and have the facilities usually furnished to chap-
plains, you are respectfully informed the same has been
approved by the Secretary of War.

Very respectfully

Your obedient servant,
(Signed) E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant General.

HEADQUARTERS GEN'L REC'G SERVICE,

NEW YORK CITY, August 14, 1868.

Official copy respectfully furnished Brevet Brig. Gen-
eral H. D. Wallen, Commanding Fort Columbus, N. Y. H.,
for his information and guidance and with reference to

141

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

copy of the letter of Rev. Dr. Dix furnished him from
this office, July 3ist ultimo.

By order of Bvt. Major Gen'l Butterfield.

(Signed) ASA BIRD GARDINER,
ist Lieut, of 9th Infantry, A. A. A. G.

The first chaplain under this arrangement was the Reverend
J. B. C. Beaubien, appointed October 12, 1868, in the following
Orders :

GENERAL ORDERS No. 104.
H'DQ'RS PRINCIPAL DEPOT, G. R. S.
FT. COLUMBUS, N. Y. HARBOR,

Dec. 3, 1868.

The Commanding Officer has the pleasure of announc-
ing to the Command that through the generosity and
Christian sympathy extended by Trinity Church, New
York City, the services of the Rev. J. B. C. Beaubien
have been secured as resident chaplain of the Depot; and
that certain necessary improvements are about to be made
in the Chapel of St. Cornelius for the comfort and con-
venience of the officers and soldiers here stationed.

Under this beneficent arrangement worship is perma-
nently resumed at the Depot: with Sunday morning and
evening services : a Sabbath School and Bible Class.

Although "it is earnestly recommended to all officers
and soldiers diligently to attend divine service," and not-
withstanding all are cordially invited to attend, yet this
invitation is in no sense compulsory and must not be so
considered or construed by the officers or non-commis-
sioned officers of the Depot. All must be left free to
worship God after their own forms and in accordance
with the dictates of their own consciences.
By order of Bvt. Brig. Gen. H. D. Wallen.

I. E. PUTNAM,
ist Lieut. 1 2th Infy & Bvt. Capt. U. S. A., Post Adjutant.

At the same time order was taken for certain work for the
improvement of the chapel and supplies for the schools in
charge of the chaplain.

He was transferred after a little more than a year to .an-
other Post and the Rev. Alexander Davidson was appointed,
January 10, 1870.

Dr. Dix writes of him as follows in his History of the
Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion:

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RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

"The name of this devoted young priest shines brightly in
the annals of our venerable parish ; he attained an honor which
many have coveted but few secured — the death of those who
give their lives for their fellow-men. His career was brief,
but glorious. Cordially welcomed to the Island by Bvt. Brig.
Gen. Thomas H. Neill, commanding the Depot, and furnished
by that officer with instructions for his information and guid-
ance, he began his work with the opening of the year and
speedily gave proof of ability and devotion. But, unfortun-
ately, his health was not strong, and after a few months it
was deemed advisable that he should take such time as might
be necessary for a complete, recovery. While he was away
on leave of absence, the yellow fever broke out on the Island,
late in the summer, attacking officers and men. On receiving
the news Davidson returned at once to his post of duty, in
spite of the remonstrances of his friends, and after laboring
strenuously among the sick contracted the fatal disease and
died. His name has been borne upon our rolls thenceforth as
one who fell in the service of Christ and of the brethren. In
appreciation of his character and acts the vestry adopted these
resolutions :

(October 10, 1870.)

The Comptroller was authorized to pay the expense of
printing connected with the memorial of the late Reverend
Alexander Davidson, Post Chaplain at Governor's Island,
who died recently from yellow fever contracted in his
attendance on the sick soldiers under his charge.

Resolved that a tablet be erected in Trinity Church in
memory of the Reverend Alexander Davidson, late in the
service of this Parish as Chaplain on Governor's Island,
who died at that post during the epidemic lately prevail-
ing there, in the discharge of his duties to the men under
his spiritual care.

And that it be referred to a Committee of three, of which
the Rector shall be chairman, to procure a design for such
tablet and to select a suitable position for it, and to report
the same to the Vestry with an estimate of its cost.

Mr. Strong and Mr. Sackett were appointed on the
Committee.

143

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

At the same meeting a substantial gift was made to the
mother of the deceased Chaplain, and an appropriation was
voted to enable the Rector to provide for the services at St.
Cornelius' Chapel in the interval between the death of Mr.
Davidson and the appointment of his successor.

The tablet to his memory was placed in Trinity Church, and
may now be seen in the sacristy. It bears this inscription :

In memory of the Rev.
ALEXANDER DAVIDSON

Chaplain at Ft. Columbus

New York Harbor

Who died of Yellow Fever

Sept. A.D. 1870

Though absent on sick leave when the Disease
broke out he came back, and while ministering
to the Sick and Dying was himself struck
down and thus gave his life for his Brethren.

The above inscription is also carved in stone on one of the
memorial sedilia in the new Chapel.

The Revd. Edward Hackley Carmichael Goodwin was ap-
pointed chaplain Jan'y 17, 1871, and served with great faith-
fulness until Sept. 30, 1904, when he was retired on a pension.

Upon his reporting at Governor's Island the following
orders were issued :

HEADQUARTERS PRINCIPAL DEPOT RECRUITING SERVICE,
FORT COLUMBUS, NEW YORK HARBOR,

SPECIAL ORDERS, £ Jan'y J7. 1871.

No. 15. j

[EXTRACT.]

II. Rev. Mr. E. H. C. Goodwin having reported at
these Headquarters is hereby announced as Chaplain of
the Post. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By command of Lieut.-Col. T. H. Neill, 6th Cavalry.

JAMES REGAN,
ist Lt. pth Infantry, Post Adjutant.

144

o
70

PI

C

C

73

o
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RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

When he went to Governor's Island there were two separate
commands, Fort Columbus and the New York Arsenal. Fort
Columbus was a two-company post, commanded at that time,
as appears from the special order just quoted, by Lieut-
Col. Thos. H. Neill, 6th Cavalry, while Lieut.-Col. Theodore
T. S. Laidley was in command of the Arsenal. To these two
officers Mr. Goodwin was indebted for a very cordial recep-
tion, and for whatever assistance could be reasonably expected
by one entering on duties so novel. Mr. Goodwin speaks of
the feeling toward him throughout his long term of office,
both personally and in his work, as so kindly that it is difficult
to single out names for mention. Colonel Neill's successors,
as a rule, were as warmly his friends as was that distinguished
officer. Of Colonel Laidley he has spoken to me with peculiar
affection, remarking that he was never absent from the chapel
when it was open for service, and that, if on the Island, the
Colonel was always in his place, with kindly greeting, wise
counsel, helpful suggestion, and hearty sympathy. Among
the officers subsequently in command at the Arsenal may be
specially mentioned Col. Alfred Mordecai, Col. Julian Mc-
Alister, Col. J. W. Reilly and Col. John E. Greer.

Of the ladies resident from time to time on Governor's
Island, Mrs. Hancock organized an efficient choir and played
the organ at the chapel services, besides being at the head of
several entertainments on the Island given by the officers and
ladies at the Post for the benefit of the Chapel. Mrs. Schofield
may also be mentioned as greatly interested, and as having
made altar cloths and other vestments for the Chapel. The
subject of the music was a difficult one, as it was entirely
voluntary, an arrangement rendered uncertain and unsatis-
factory by the changes in command and the coming and going
of regiments. During the whole of her residence Mrs. Han-
cock took charge of the musical part of the service ; Miss Julia
Gilliss was also noted for prolonged attention to the work;
Mrs. David Robertson, wife of Hospital Steward Robertson,
was for a long time the acceptable leader of the choir. Mrs.
Schofield, Mrs. Ruggles, Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs.

i45

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Roger Jones, Mrs. Morrison, and many others, were active
helpers of Chaplain Goodwin, and aided in many ways in the
adornment of the chapel with contributions of sacramental
vessels, altar cross, eucharistic and other lights, altar desk,
vases, etc., and hangings which were the work of their own
hands or purchased by them and presented as offerings of
love and devotion. The sympathy of the ladies has been al-
ways a strong encouragement to the chaplain and an incentive
to, as well as a reward of, his work ; and so it continues to the
present day.

I may also add to this record the names of General Gillespie,
who was especially interested in the work; of Col. J. W.
Reilly, who supplemented the offices of the quarter-master by
having the pews repaired by the workmen in his employ, and
raised money to recarpet the entire chapel ; and of Col.
Samuel Brook, adjutant-general, who provided cushions for
the pews.

Upon retirement of Chaplain Goodwin the Revd. Edmund
B. Smith was appointed and announced by special orders :

HEADQUARTERS ATLANTIC DIVISION,
SPECIAL ORDERS, £ GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY,
No. 72. j October 28, 1904.

[EXTRACT.]

i. The Reverend Edmund B antes Smith having re-
ported at these headquarters on the ist instant, is hereby
announced as Chaplain of this station pursuant to au-
thority of the War Department contained in letter dated
Adjutant General's Office, Washington, August n, 1868.

He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
******

BY COMMAND OF BRIGADIER GENERAL GRANT:

H. O. S. HEISTAND,
Colonel, Assistant Adjutant General,
Adjutant General.

"In 1904, after nearly sixty years of constant use, the old
chapel was found to be in a state of partial decay and no
longer safe or convenient for occupancy. There were leaks
in the roof and sides ; one of the window frames fell out in a
high wind; it was very cold in winter; it was battered by the

146

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

storms of years. The Corporation, after due consideration,
abandoned the idea of repairing or endeavoring to restore the
old edifice, notwithstanding the associations connected with it,
and decided to ask permission of the Government to replace
it with a new building. Negotiations with the War Depart-
ment were carried on for several months, during the years
1904 and 1905, during which time we were greatly indebted
to Maj.-Gen. James F. Wade, Maj.-Gen.. Frederick D.
Grant, Brig.-Gen. John W. Clous (retired), Col. H. O. S.
Heistand, Majors E. M. Weaver, II. Rowan, G. H. G. Gale,
and Albert Todd, for valuable advice and assistance, both
here and in Washington. To these officers I now have the
honor to present our thanks for their cooperation in our
cherished plan, and their assistance in enabling us to carry it
into effect. After due time consent was given by the War
Department; designs for the new building having been sub-
mitted, examined, and approved, and a site was designated not
far from that of the old chapel. The ceremony of laying the
cornerstone, by the Right Rev. David H. Greer, D.D., Bishop
Coadjutor of New York, took place on Friday, October 27,
1905, and the chapel was consecrated, with imposing ecclesi-
astical and military ceremonies, October 19, 1906."

The architect selected to build the chapel was Mr. Charles
C. Haight, a gentleman well known and esteemed in his pro-
fession. He has a military record which merits attention in
this connection. During the war for the Union, Mr. Haight
served as captain of the 39th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
On the second day of the Battle of the Wilderness he com-
manded that regiment and was severely wounded. He also
served as adjutant of the 3ist Regiment, United States Volun-
teers, and in other capacities during the war. His wife was a
grand-daughter of the Rev. Dr. John McVickar, chaplain, by
whom the first chapel was built, and his eldest son is Capt.
Charles Sidney Haight, 5th U. S. Cavalry.

A number of historical shields of metal which had hung for
many years in the Chapel of 1846 were removed to the new
Chapel upon its completion and are in the South transept :

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

A shield commemorating the wreck of the "San Francisco"
has on it:

"Wreck of the San Francisco, Christmas, 1853. The
survivors of the 3d Arty in Sorrow and in Thankfulness
hang up this Shield."

Four smaller shields bear the following inscriptions:

"Recruiting Depot. Came, I7th March, 1842. In-
scribed these to the Glory of God. Trinity S., 1849."

"ist Regt Arty Cos. A, B & E. Came Oct., 1848.

These as good soldiers of Jesus Christ,

Whitsunday, 1849."

"3d Regt Arty, Octr, Novr, Deer, 1853."

"4th Regt Infy

Jufe' [1852"
Juty, i

Two shields placed in memory of the soldiers who fell dut-
ing the Mexican War are inscribed :

"Thou, O Lord, hast covered my head in the day of
battle."

"Thy truth, O Lord, shall be my shield and buckler."

A smaller shield above these two is inscribed:

"These Shields are set up at the cost of Soldiers re-
turned from Mexico, 1848."

Military trophies connected with the Mexican War are
mentioned in the chapter dealing with that period. On the
walls hang flags representing every branch of the service, in-
cluding a number of Spanish captures. Their number is
being added to from time to time. The same is true of
memorials to officers of the Army. The list at present in-
cludes memorial windows to Major-General Winfield Scott
Hancock and Mrs. Hancock and to General Daniel Butter-
field; a massive stone font in memory of Bvt. Colonel Alex-

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RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

ander H. Hoff and Ann E. Van Renssclaer, his wife; altar
vases in memory of Sylyvester Day, Surgeon, U. S. A., Bvt.
Brig.-Gen. C. Hannibal Day and Maria Hotighton his wife,
Lieut. Russel H. Day, U. S. A., Murray S. Day, U. S. N., and
Bvt.-Col. A. H. Hoff and Clifton Comly, Major Ordnance
Corps; in the side chapel a credence and piscina of carved
stone in memory of Sumter Loring Edmunds, a credence at
the high altar to commemorate the marriage in the old chapel
of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fairfield Osborn. Other gifts are
crosses in memory of Charles C. Morrison, Capt. Ordnance
Corps, and of Chaplain McVickar, given by his great grand-
children ; tablets in memory of Joseph Pynchon Russell, Sur-
geon, 1790-1849, who served at Fort Columbus 1824-1849, of
his son Lieut-Colonel Edmund Kirby Russell, 1st Artillery,
who was born on Governor's Island in 1840, and of members
of their family; a Bible in memory of Brig.-Gen. John W.
Clous and a group of paintings of sacred subjects in memory
of General Grant. These are assembled in a shrine under a
flag canopy and are marked by a brass tablet inscribed by Mrs.
Grant, who presented the paintings, as follows :

tin flDemorfam

FREDERICK DENT GRANT
Major-General United States Army

April 13-26 1912

Services of the Roman Catholic Church have been held for
many years on the Island. Prior to 1883 they were under the
auspices of St. Peter's Church in Barclay Street, but for
twenty-eight years past they have been attended from the
Mission at No. 7 State Street, New York.

At one time, according to the remembrance of old residents,
services were held in a building near the old Hospital, at other

149

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

times in the barracks and the Castle for a short period till a
more suitable place could be found. In later years, and for a
long time, they have been conducted in the South Battery,
and with the completion of the new building in the Battery in
1904 a spacious hall has been used for that purpose, where
service is held every Sunday morning.

The Clergyman in charge (1913) is the Rev. Michael
Joseph Mitchell, from the State Street Mission.

For several years past the 22nd Regiment, Corps of En-
gineers, N. G. N. Y., Colonel Walter B. Hotchkin command-
ing, has had an annual Church parade on Memorial Sunday.

The Veteran Corps of Artillery, Military Society of the
War of 1812, of whose services in 1812 mention is made on
p. 74, comes to Governor's Island annually at All Saints' for
a Memorial Service.

This annual service of commemoration of Departed Com-
rades who have served with honour in the Army and Navy
of the United States of America and in the Militia of the
State of New York, in the War of the Revolution and in later
National Wars is authorized by the Secretary of War and
contains, in addition to trie features usual at such a service,
the ancient Bidding Prayer as used at Oxford University,
the Academic offices and titles being replaced by Military.
The Prayer is given here, not only for its beauty of noble
English and the high ideal of national life it sets forth, but
because, so far as can be learned, this is the only military
station in England or America at which it has ever been used.

THE BIDDING PRAYER

Ye shall pray for Christ's Holy Catholic Church and
for that pure and Apostolic branch of it which God has
planted in these United States of America : and as I am
more especially bound, I bid your prayers for the Parish
of Trinity Church in the City of New York, that our LORD
may bless its labours for Religion in the Army and in the
Commonwealth.

Ye shall pray for the President of the United States,
and for the Governor of this State, and for all that are
in civil authority over us ; that all, and every of them, in

150

RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE

their several callings may serve truly to the glory of God,
and the edifying and well-governing of His people, re-
membering the account they have to give.

Ye shall pray for the Secretary of War, the Secretary
of the Navy, and all others in authority: and more espe-
cially for the Commanding General of this Military De-
partment and for those who serve with him : for the Com-
mander of this Post and all officers and soldiers here
stationed, that they may by Thy Divine assistance pre-
serve peace and tranquillity in our Land.

Ye shall pray for the National Guard of this State and
for all the Military Societies of the Nation, and herein
more especially for the members of this Venerable Corps
and Military Society, that they may adorn the doctrine
of GOD our Saviour in all things: and that in this State
and City and throughout the land whatsoever tends to
the advancement of patriotism and true loyalty may for-
ever flourish and abound.

Finally, let us praise God for all them that are departed
out of this life in the faith of Christ, for the Patriarchs
and Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Doctors, Martyrs
and Confessors, whom He hath bestowed on His Church
to shine as lights in their generations from the beginning
of the world; for patriots and soldiers, for those who
have given their lives in defence of country, for the
Founders of this Corps and those who bear their names :
and for all our departed members who having finished
their course in faith do now rest from their labours.

There was found, a number of years ago, in a little gilt
frame of ancient design, a Prayer for Soldiers, evidently com-
posed by the Revd. Dr. McVickar. This prayer is still used
today at the public services of the Chapel, and is given here-
with :

A PRAYER FOR THE ARMY,

CHAPEL OF ST. CORNELIUS THE CENTURION,

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, NEW
YORK HARBOUR.

O Almighty Lord God, Who didst choose Thy Servant
Cornelius the Centurion, a devout man, and one that
feared God with all his house, to be the first fruits of the
Gospel among the Gentiles, and an example to those who

151

HISTORY OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

should follow him in the profession of arms, we humbly
implore Thy blessing upon those who serve in the Army
of the United States. Make them to have a love of order
and good discipline: may they have the victory over all
their enemies, and by Thy Divine assistance preserve
peace and tranquility in our land. Do Thou comfort and
help the sick and show Thy pity upon all prisoners and
captives. [*Look with the eyes of Thy mercy upon the
wounded, and have in Thy holy keeping the souls of those
who have fallen in battle.]

More especially we pray for St. Cornelius' Chapel and
all Benefactors of the same, and this Station in which we
dwell. Send a blessing upon the officers and other soldiers
and all under authority: and grant that in the true Faith
of Thy Holy Name we may manfully fight under Christ's
banner against sin, the world and the Devil, and continue
His faithful Soldiers and Servants unto our lives' end:
All which we ask in the name and for the sake of the
great Captain of our Salvation, Thy Son our Saviour
Jesus Christ. Amen.

* In time of war.

CHAPTER IX.
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND EXTENSION.

It was not until 1797, after Washington had retired from
the Presidency, that the irritation between the United States
and France grew serious. Pressing remonstrances were made
to Congress that the City be protected in its helpless condition,
the State having by the Constitution ceded to the General
Government the power of providing for the common defense.
The Government contended that it had not the power to pass
any law impairing the obligations of contracts; that a balance
of $2,075,846 due from the State of New York to the United
States by an award of the "Commissioner of Accounts," dated
Philadelphia, Dec. 1793, must first be paid. At length, after
much altercation, Congress declared, by a law passed May 3,
1798, that "Where any State, which was found indebted to the
United States, should, with the President's approbation, pro-
ceed to finish or complete any fortifications heretofore com-
menced by such State for the defense of any port or harbor
within the same, or shall, under the direction of the President,
make and erect any additional fortifications, pursuant to the
act entitled 'An Act to provide for the further defense of the
ports and harbors of the United States/ providing that no
expenditures exceeding the balance found and reported
against the respective States shall be allowed as aforesaid : and
provided, that the fortifications for which the -whole or any
part of the expenditures shall be allowed and credited as
aforesaid, with their privileges and appurtenances shall be,
and shall be declared and established, as the property of the
United States while maintained by them."

Under the provisions of the Act, the State was duly credited
with the several amounts of money it had expended by au-
thority of legislative acts, in the erection of fortifications on
Governor's Island. By the authority of an act passed March
26, 1794, £30,000 had been so appropriated. This sum had

153

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

been expended under the supervision of George Clinton, Mat-
thew Clarkson, James Watson, Richard Varick, Nicholas
Fish, Ebenezer Stevens and Elijah Hammond.

A further sum of ^20,000 had been granted April 6, 1795, to
complete certain works on Governor's Island and Ellis' Island.
This Island, together with other islands in the vicinity, was
ceded to the United States Government by an act of the Legis-
lature passed February 15, 1800. The following is a copy of
the said act:

CHAPTER 6, LAWS OF 1800.

AN ACT to cede to the United States the jurisdiction of
certain islands situate in and about the harbour of
New York.

Be it enacted by the people of the State of New York
represented in Senate and Assembly: That the following
islands, in and about the harbour of New York, and in
and about the fortifying of which, this State hath hereto-
fore expended or caused to be expended large sums of
money, to wit, all that certain island called Bedlow's
island, bounded on all sides by the waters of the Hudson
River; all that certain island, called Oyster Island,
bounded on all sides by the waters of the Hudson River ;
and all that certain island called Governor's Island, on
which Fort Jay is situate, bounded on all sides by the
waters of the East River and Hudson River, shall here-
after be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States:
Provided, that this cession shall not extend to prevent the
execution of any process, civil or criminal, issuing under
the authority of this State, but that such process may be
served and executed on the said islands respectively, any
thing therein contained notwithstanding.

The island referred to as Oyster Island, in the foregoing act,
was subsequently named and is now known as Ellis' Island.

The Sundry Civil Act of 1901 made an appropriation for
beginning the Extension of Governor's Island. This was ex-
tended to include an addition of about 82 acres to the area of
the Island by enclosing with a bulkhead part of the shoal to
the S. W. of the Island and filling the enclosure, the building
of a wharf on the N. shore and dredging to a depth of 26 feet
in front of the wharf and the erection of buildings. The work

154

GOVERNOR S ISLAND EXTENSION

of enlargement, including the construction of a wharf and
dredging, was estimated to cost $1,100,000, and was assigned
to the Engineer Corps. By a modification of the plan adopted
in April, 1902, the enlargement was to be extended S. W. over
the shoal to reclaim an additional area of about 19 acres,
making the total area on enlargement 103 acres. In January,
1913, the Extension was turned over by the Engineer Depart-
ment to the Commanding Officer, Fort Jay.

That it was the intention of the Legislature to cede title as
well as jurisdiction is clearly evident from the Act approved
May 7, 1880, ceding certain lands covered with water, which
is as follows :

SECTION I : "All the right and title of the State of
New York to the following described parcels of land
covered with water, adjacent and contiguous to the lands
of the United States, in the harbor of New York, at
Governor's Island, ********** ancj jurisdic-
tion over the same, are hereby released and ceded to the
United States under Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 17
of the constitution, for the purpose of erecting and main-
taining docks, wharves, boat-houses, sea walls, batteries,
and other needful structures. Provided that jurisdiction
hereby ceded shall continue no longer than the United
States shall own said land at Governors Island, :
******* and the adjacent lands covered with water
herein described and hereby released; and provided fur-
ther that all civil and such criminal process as may law-
fully issue under authority of this state may be served or
executed over said released lands."

Subsequent to the passage of the foregoing Act, to wit,
May 26, 1880, the submerged premises were granted and
conveyed to the United States of America by the Gover-
nor of the State of New York, by letters patent, :
*****. Patent recorded in Book of Patents, No. 44,
page 604, etc., in the office of the Secretary of State for
the State of New York.

Laws of the State of New York, Chapter 57, Consoli-
dated Laws of 1909, Article 4, Section 22. "Title and
jurisdiction to the following described tracts or parcels of
land have been ceded to the United States by this state on
condition, etc., ********** Governor's Island,"
&c.

155

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

Referring to the letters patent (as above), the acting Cor-
poration Counsel, City of New York, stated June i6th, 1910,
in a communication addressed to the President of the Depart-
ment of Taxes and Assessments, New York, that the "lands
under water covered by these letters patent are the property
of the United States and therefore exempt from taxation."*

The actual extension of work was begun August, 1901, and
the sea wall was first built to enclose the area. Its length is
7,219 feet and there are 4,787,748 cubic yards in the extension,
the material having been obtained from dredged channels and
excavation earth, New York City. The number of acres is
IO3-55 m the extension, as compared with 69.8 in the Old
Island, 173.35 acres in all.

The work was done by the Engineer Department under the
command of Colonel W. L. Marshall (Retired Brig.-Gen.)
and Colonel S. W. Roessler, both of the Corps of Engineers.

When work on the enlargement was begun the contractors
for building the sea wall were required to mark the end of
their work with a lantern. As the foundation advanced into
deeper water, better signals became necessary, and a wrecked
schooner was used for the purpose. In the winter of 1910 the
schooner was released and a house built on the land. The
lantern, fog bell and striking mechanism were loaned by the
Light House Bureau. This light was taken over by the Light
House Bureau May loth, 1912. The average number of men
employed was 40 ; locomotives, 3 ; engines, 3 ; derricks, 2.

As late as the year 1900 the sea wall was in front of the
present Regimental line (Brick Row), and when the sea was
high, spray would dash upon the front of the houses. A fine
level plain (sown to grass in 1911) now stretches its hundred
acres of refreshing green to the west and south.

The estimated cost of this improvement was $1,100,000 and
the Engineering Department completed the extension for this
amount. The approximate cost per acre was $10,000.

* It appears from the foregoing that the United States owns Governor's
Island in fee simple.

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CHAPTER X.

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS,
BRITISH' AND AMERICAN FORCES,

I755-I9I3-

July i, 1878, the Headquarters of the Military Division of
the Atlantic and the Department of the East were transferred
from the Army Building, Houston Street, to Governor's
Island, in compliance with G. O. 42, c. s., with the following
personnel :

MAJ.-GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK, Commanding.
COLONEL JAMES B. FRY, Adjutant General.
MAJOR GUIDO N. LIEBER, Judge Advocate.
COLONEL LANGDON C. EASTON, Chief Quarter-Master.
COLONEL MARCUS D. L. SIMPSON, Chief Commissary of
Subsistence.

COLONEL JOHN M. CUYLER, Medical Director.
COLONEL NATHAN W. BROWN, Chief Paymaster.

Attached.

CAPTAIN WM. G. MITCHELL, 5th Infantry, aide-de-camp,
Acting Engineer Officer.

CAPTAIN JOHN S. WHARTON, I9th Infantry, aide-de-camp.
IST LIEUT. GEORGE S. L. WARD, 22nd Infantry, aide-de-
camp.

On detached service.

COLONEL NELSON H. DAVIS, Inspector General's Depart-
ment.

Battery A, ist Artillery, Captain J. P. Sanger, 2nd Lieut.
A. Slater, Adjutant, was transferred from Fort Warren,
Mass., to Governor's Island, arriving July 2nd, 1878.
Battery D, ist Artillery, was ordered here from Fort Inde-
pendence, Mass., arriving July 19, 1878, relieving the Garrison

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

which in April, 1878, consisted of the following: Go's. A and
C, Permanent Party; Co. B, Music Boys, quartered in South
Battery (now Corbin Hall); Co. D, select; Go's. E. and F
recruits; Co. H, coloured Infantry, Capt. E. G. Bush, loth
Infantry, commanding.

COMMANDING OFFICERS.

With the coming of the Division and Headquarters Com-
manding General and Staff a change was made in the life and
interest of the Garrison. The Recruiting Service which had
had its Depot here was transferred to David's Island (Fort
Slocum) where it still remains.

Fort Wood was at this time garrisoned by a detachment of
the 3rd Artillery, under command of Lieutenant J. C. White.

The various events connected with the period have been
mentioned incidentally. It remains now to give the names
and years of command of the General Officers who have served
on Governor's Island since it became a Division Headquarters :

MAJ.-GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK,, July i, 1878-
Feby. 9, 1886.

MAJ.-GEN. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, April 13, i886-Dec. 12,
1888.

MAJ.-GEN. OLIVER D. HOWARD, Dec. 12, i888-Nov. 8, 1894.

MAJ.-GEN. NELSON A. MILES, Nov. 20, i894-Oct. 4, 1895.

MAJ.-GEN. THOMAS H. RUGER, Oct. 4, iS95-April 10, 1897.

MAJ.-GEN. WESLEY MERRITT, April 10, iS97~May 19, 1898.
January 7, i899~May 19, 1900.

BRIG.-GEN. ROYAL T. FRANK, U. S. V., May 19, i898-June
30, 1898.

BRIG.-GEN. GEORGE L. GILLESPIE, U. S. V., June 30, 1898-
Oct. 4, 1898.

MAJ.-GEN. WM. R. SHAFTER, U. S. V., Oct. 4, i8cj8-Jany.
7, 1899.

MAJ.-GEN. WESLEY MERRITT, Jany. 7, i899~May 19, 1900.

MAJ.-GEN. JOHN R. BROOKE, May 10, lOXDo-July 21, 1902.

MAJ.-GEN. ARTHUR MACARTHUR, July 21, i9O2-Nov. 8,
1902.

158

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS, ETC.

MAJ.-GEN. ADNA R. CIIAFFEE, Nov. 21, i9O2-Oct. 26, 1903.

MAJ.-GEN. HENRY C. CORBIN, Dept. East, Oct. 26, 1903-
Oct. i, 1904.

(Atlantic Division, Jany. 5, i9O4~Oct. I, 1904.)

MAJ.-GEN. FREDERICK DENT GRANT (Dept. East), Oct. i,
1904-Nov. 10, 1908.

MAJ.-GEN. JAMES F. WADE, Dec. i, 1904- April 4, 1907.
(Atlantic Division discontinued June 30, 1907.)

MAJ.-GEN. LEONARD WOOD (Dept. East), Nov. 10, 1908-
July 19, 1910.

BRIG.-GEN. WALTER HOWE (Dept. East), April 8, 1910-
July 20, 1910.

MAJ.-GEN. FREDERICK DENT GRANT (Eastern Division and
Dept. East), July 25, I9io-April n, 1912.*

BRIG.-GEN. TASKER H. BLISS (Eastn. Div. and Dept. East),
Jan'y 29, I9i2-Aug. 31, 1912.

MAJ.-GEN. THOMAS H. BARRY (Eastern Division and East-
ern Department), Sept. i, 1912.

Regiments of the English and American forces have been
stationed on Governor's Island as follows :

English.
1756-1773.

II. M. 6oth Regiment of Foot, the Royal Americans.

1755-1767.

Maj.-Gen. Sir William Pepperell's Regiment.

1767.
H. M. 44th Regiment of Foot.

1767.
H. M. 22d Regiment of Foot.

* Major-General Frederick Dent Grant died April u, 1912. His body
lay in the Chapel under guard from April 13 till April 26, on which day
the funeral ceremonies took place. The interment was in the Cemetery
at West Point.

159

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

American.

1775-
General William Prescott's Regiment, the "Bunker Hill

Regiment."

1776.

The 4th Continental Infantry, Colonel John Nixon com-
manding. Brig.-Gen'l, 9th August, 1776.

April, 1776.

Genl. Putnam's forces, 1,000 men, draughts from Colonel
Silliman's Regiment, Colonel Wm. Douglas' Regiment
and others.

August, 1776.

2,000 tropps, Regiments not specified.

English.

Aug., 1776, to Dec. 3d, 1783.

Forces under Major-General Pattison, Buskirk's Battalion
and other troops — detailed list not known.

American.

1794 — Artillery.

Capt. Cornelius R. Sedam, Sub-Legion.

1795 — Artillery.

Captain Alexander Thompson, Corps of Artillerists and
Engineers.

1799 — 2nd Artillery.

Implied in the recorded burial of Lieut. Robert Heaton, Jr.,
2nd Artillery.

1808— Artillery.
Capt. Richd Wiley.

1810 — 14.

Colonel Henry Burbeck, Lieut. Vandeventer, Justus, Ad-
jutant of the Artillery.
1811 — ist Artillery — Major Stoddard.

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1814 — Infantry.

Lt.-Col. Tallmadge, Major Delafield.
1815 — Artillery, troops.

James House, Lt.-Col., commanding. Charles Anthony,
Adjutant.

1816 — 'Artillery troops.

Implied in the recorded burial of James H. Boyle, Major
of Artillery.

1819 — Artillery troops.

Implied in the recorded burial of Samuel Armstrong, Lieut,
of Artillery.

From 1821-1913 the following list of commanding officers
is furnished by the kindness of The Adjutant-General, Wash-
ington, who states that there are no returns on file previous
to 1821. The early records were destroyed by the British
when they invaded Washington in 1812, and no records be-
tween that date and 1821 are on file.

POST COMMANDERS

I82I-IQI3. ASSUMED

COMMAND

IST LIEUT. GILES PORTER ist Art'y May, 1821

IST LIEUT. PETER MELENDY. . .ist Art'y June and

July, 1821

CAPT. S. CHURCHILL 4th Art'y Aug. and

Sept., 1821

IST LIEUT. GILES PORTER ist Art'y Oct., 1822

CAPT. MILO MASON ist Art'y April, 1823

IST LT. W. WHEELRIGHT. . . . .ist Art'y July, 1823

CAPT. A. C. W. FANNING 2d Art'y Aug., 1823

CAPT. MILO MASON ist Art'y Sept., 1823

CAPT. A. C. W. FANNING 2d Art'y Oct., 1823

IST LT. E. LYON 2d Art'y April, 1824

LT.-COL. WM. McRAE 2d Art'y Aug., 1824

161

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

ASSUMED COMMAND

CAPT. R. A. ZANTZINGER 2d Art'y April, 1827

MAJOR I. B. CRANE 4th Art'y Aug., 1828

LT.-COL. A. EUSTIS 4th Art'y June,- 1831

MAJOR I. B. CRANE 4th Art'y Nov., 1831

MAJOR A. C. W. FANNING. . .4th Art'y Feb. 10, 1833

CAPT. B. K. PIERCE 4th Art'y June 2,1834

LT.-COL. A. S. BROOKS 4th Art'y May 2,1835

CAPT. WM. W. TOMPKINS. .. .2d Dragoons ... Sept. 28,1836

LT. JOHN C. PEMBERTON 4th Art'y Aug. 26, 1837

CAPT. WM. L. MCCLINTOCK. . ^d Art'y Oct. 5, 1837

LT. WILLIAM HOFFMAN 6th Inft'y Mch. 23,1837

ASST. SURG. JOSEPH EATON. . .Jany., 1838
IST LT. E. C. Ross 4th Art'y June 30, 1837

CAPT. JOHN ERVING 4th Art'y Sept., 1838

(Entire Regiment)

LT.-COL. A. C. W. FANNING. . .4th Art'y Apr. 30, 1839

COL. D. E. TWIGGS 2d Dragoons. . .June 5, 1839

CAPT. JUSTIN DIMICK ist Art'y Nov., 1839

COL. JAMES BANKHEAD 2d Art'y Aug., 1841

CAPT. CHAS. S. MERCHANT. . .4th Art'y Dec. 10,1841

LT.-COL. A. C. W. FANNING. . .4th Art'y Jan. 2, 1842

COL. JAMES BANKHEAD 2d Art'yi July 2, 1842

CAPT. GABRIEL J. RAINS 7th Inft'y Jan. 13, 1847

COL. I. B. CRANE 4th Art'y Sept. 12, 1848

MAJOR JOHN L. GARDNER 4th Art'y Dec., 1850

MAJOR GABRIEL J. RAINS 7th Inft'y July 26, 1852

LT.-COL. JOHN L. GARDNER — . «4th Art'y. .... .Aug. 5, 1852

LT.-COL. M. M. PAYNE 4th Art'y Sept. 26, 1852

CAPT. JOHN T. SPRAGUE 8th Inft'y Nov. 27, 1852

LT.-COL. J. J. ABERCROMBIE.. .2d Inft'y Aug. 2, 1854

MAJOR ELECTUS BACKUS 3d Inft'y July 2,1855

162

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS, ETC.

ASSUMED COMMAND

MAJOR ALBERMARLE CADY 6th Inft'y July 12,1857

MAJOR THEOPHILUS H.

HOLMES 8th Inft'y July 2, 1859

MAJ. SAMUEL P. HEINTZLE-

MAN ist Inft'y Apr. 14, 1861

LT.-COL. CHARLES F. SMITH. . .ioth Inft'y. . . .May 8, 1861

COL. GUSTAVUS LOOMIS 5th Inft'y Aug. 26, 1861

CAPT. JOHN D. WILKINS 3d Inft'y Aug. 6, 1864

COL. J. D. BOMFORD i6th Inft'y. . . . Sept. 6, 1864

MAJOR M. COGSWELL 8th Init'y Feb. 16, 1865

LT.-COL. JULIUS HAYDEN ioth Inft'y. . . .May 27, 1865

LT.-COL. HENRY D. WALLEN. . . i4th Inft'y Mch. 7, 1867

LT.-COL. THOS. H. NEILL Inft'y May 5,1869

MAJOR M. M. BLUNT I4th Inft'y June 22, 1871

MAJOR JAMES P. ROY 6th Inft'y Feb. 26, 1873

MAJOR R. E. A. CROFTON i7th Inft'y. . . .Oct. 2, 1874

MAJOR ALEX. CHAMBERS 24th Inft'y. . . .Oct. 14, 1876

CAPT. E. G. BUSH ioth Inft'y June 30,1877

CAPT. J. P. SANGER ist Art'y July 3, 1878

CAPT. THOMAS WARD ist Art'y July 2,1880

MAJOR JOHN MENDENHALL. . . ist Art'y Nov. 9, 1880

CAPT. THOMAS WARD ist Art'y Oct. 5,1881

CAPT. F. L. GUENTHER 5th Art'y Nov. 4, 1881

CAPT. W. B. BECK 5th Art'y Nov. 11,1882

MAJOR R. A. JACKSON 5th Art'y Dec. 21, 1882

CAPT. W. F. RANDOLPH 5th Art'y Nov. 7, 1886

MAJOR M. P. MILLER 5th Art'y May 6, 1888

CAPT. W. B. BECK 5th Art'y Dec. 8, 1888

MAJOR TULLY McCREA 5th Art'y May 16, 1889

CAPT. W. B. BECK 5th Art'y June 18, 1889

MAJOR TULLY McCREA 5th Art'y Oct. 9, 1889

163

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

ASSUMED COMMAND

MAJOR W. L. HASKIN ist Art'y May 15, 1890

CAPT. P. H. ELLIS I3th Inft'y Oct. 2,1894

L/r.-CoL. W. S. WORTH i3th Inft'y. • • -Dec. 30, 1894

CAPT. LUIGI LOMIA 5th Art'y Apr. 20,1898

COL. THOMAS H. BARBER. . . j Ist **• Y. ) june II} ^98

CAPT. THOMAS R. ADAMS 5th Art'y July 8, 1898

( ist Mass. )

LT. E. S. FULLERTON -j Heavy Art'y f • -Au& 5> 1898

MAJOR P. H. ELLIS Infantry Sept. 14, 1898

L/r.-CoL. JOHN N. COE I3th Inft'y. . . .Sept. 19, 1898

CAPT. B. K. ROBERTS 5th Art'y Apr. 20, 1899

MAJOR G. A. CORNISH i5th Inft'y. .. .Jan. 23,1900

MAJOR E. R. HILLS 5th Art'y July 24, 1900

MAJOR A. L. MYER nth Inft'y. .. .Aug. ir, 1900

L/r.-CoL. C. L. DAVIS nth Inft'y. . . .Dec. 22, 1900

MAJOR E. R. HILLS Art'y Corps. . .April 7, 1901

CAPT. JOHN CONKLIN Art'y Corps. .. .Aug. 24, 1901

CAPT. ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL. . .Art'y Corps. . .Sept. 9, 1901

MAJOR W. P. DUVALL Art'y Corps. . .Dec. 4, 1901

COL. W. E. DOUGHERTY 8th Inft'y Oct. 12, 1902

CAPT. JOHN STAFFORD 8th Inft'y Jan. 25, 1904

CAPT. W. Y. STAMPER 8th Inft'y Aug. 26,1904

COL. F. A. SMITH 8th Inft'y Aug. 13,1904

MAJ. FRANCIS P. FREMONT. . .5th Inft'y Feb. 20,1906

COL. LEVEN C. ALLEN i2th Inft'y. . . .May 24, 1906

CAPT. MOOR N. FALLS i2th Inft'y. . . .July 16, 1906

CAPT. WINFRED B. CARR C. A. C Aug. 5, 1906

MAJ. J. S. MALLORY i2th Inft'y. . . .Aug. 31, 1906

COL. LEVEN C. ALLEN i2th Inft'y. . . . Sept. 30, 1906

L/r.-CoL. ROBERT F. AMES....i2th Inf t'y . . . . May 27,1908

164

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS, ETC.

ASSUMED COMMANIi

CAPT. JAMES P. HARBESON. . . . i2th Inft'y June 12, 1908

COL. WM. H. C. BOWEN i2th Inft'y- . - July 15, 1908

MAJ. CHAS. L. BECKURTS 5th Inft'y June 29,1909

COL. H. K. BAILEY 29th Inft'y Sept. 18, 1909

CAPT. J. F. MADDEN, Adjt. . . .29th Inft'y. .. .May 21,1910

CAPT. CHAS. H. PAINE, Q. M. . .29th Inft'y June 12, 1910

CAPT. J. F. MADDEN, Adjt 29th Inft'y. . . July 31, 1910

COL. H. K. BAILEY 29th Inft'y. .. .Aug. 27,1910

CAPT. J. F. MADDEN, Adjt 29th Inft'y Aug. 24, 1911

COL. G. R. CECIL 29th Inft'y. .. .Sept. 3,1911

CAPT. A. C. DALTON, Q. M. . . .29th Inft'y. . . July 6, .1912

COL. G. R. CECIL 29th Inft'y. .. .Aug. 8,1912

COL. JOHN S. MALLORY 29th Inft'y Sept. 10, 1912

INFANTRY COMMANDS.

The Garrison remained an Artillery one till October, 1894.
In June, 1894, the last Artillery command consisted of Bat-
teries B, H, and M, ist Artillery, Major Wm. L. Haskin
commanding.

The command was relieved on October 2nd and 3rd, 1894,
by the arrival of the following companies of the I3th In-
fantry— Co. F, Capt. J. Forance; Co. B, Capt. H. Gilman;
Co. D, Capt. P. H. Ellis. Lt.-Colonel Daingerfield Parker
was assigned to the command. He was relieved in 1895 by
Lieut-Colonel W. S. Worth.

The I3th Infantry remained till April 19, 1898, when it was
ordered to Cuba. It returned from Montauk Point in Sep-
tember, 1898, and left for service in the Far East April 28,
1899.

The 1 3th was temporarily relieved by Battery A, 5th Ar-
tillery, Captain Benjamin K. Roberts commanding the Bat-
tery.

A battalion of the nth Infantry, Lieut.-Col. Charles S.

165

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS, ETC.

Davis commanding the Post, was stationed here from August
12, 1900, to April 7th, 1901.

In April, 1901, Fort Columbus was Garrisoned by the 49th,
52nd and 83rd companies C. A. C. and the 8th Artillery band
under command of Major E. R. Hills.

Headquarters, Band and the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry,
under command of Colonel W. E. Dougherty, arrived October
12, 1902, and left for Manila Feby. 19, 1906, under com-
mand of Colonel Frederick A. Smith.

The Headquarters, Band and one Battalion of the I2th
Infantry were stationed here from May 24, 1906, to June 29,
1909, commanded successively by Colonels Leven C. Allen and
W. H. C. Bowen, and were relieved Sept. 18, 1909, by the
Headquarters, Band and 3rd Battalion of the 29th Infantry,
Colonel Hobart K. Bailey in command, the ist and 2d Bat-
talions being at Forts Porter and Niagara respectively.

Colonel Bailey was followed upon his retirement by Colonel
G. R. Cecil Sept. 3, 1911, and Colonel Cecil by Colonel John S.
Mallory, Sept. 10, 1912.

It seems fitting to give in full at this point in the history of
Governor's Island the names of the officers on duty at this
Station. It is obviously impossible to reproduce the roster in
full for a period of one hundred years. The list, therefore,
up to this time has been of commanding officers only. The
following names are of those on duty (June, 1913) at Depart-
ment Headquarters and at Fort Jay, taken from the published
rosters of Department Headquarters and Fort Jay respectively :

HEADQUARTERS EASTERN DEPARTMENT.

GOVERNORS ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY.

MAJ.-GEN. THOMAS H. BARRY commanding.

CAPT. JOHN E. WOODWARD, 29th Infantry, Aide-de-Camp.

166

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS, ETC.

STAFF.

LIEUT.-COL. WILLIAM G. HAAN, Gen. Staff, Chief of Staff.

COL. SAMUEL W. DUNNING, Officer in Charge of Militia
Affairs.

COL. WILLIAM A. SIMPSON, Adjutant.

LIEUT.-COL. FRANK L. DODDS, Judge Advocate.

COL. STEPHEN C. MILLS, Inspector.

COL. JOHN B. BELLINGER, Quartermaster.

COL. L. MERVIN MAUS, Surgeon.

COL. WILLIAM M. BLACK, Engineer Officer.

COL. ORIN B. MITCHAM, Ordnance Officer, commanding
New York Arsenal.

LIEUT.-COL. SAMUEL REBER, Signal Officer.

ADDITIONAL STAFF.

LIEUT.-COL. BENJAMIN ALVORD, Asst. to Adjutant
LIEUT.-COL. ALFRED E. BRADLEY, Sanitary Inspector.
LIEUT.-COL. WILLIAM C. BROWN, Cav., Acting Inspector.
LIEUT.-COL. ALFRED M. HUNTER, C. A. C., Inspector.

MAJ. WILLIAM B. ROCHESTER, Q. M. Corps, Asst. to Dept.
Quartermaster.

MAJ. WILLIAM E. HORTON, Q. M. Corps, Asst. to Dept.
Quartermaster.

MAJ. GORDON G. HEINER, C. A. C., Acting Inspector.

MAJ. FRANK H. LAWTON, Q. M. Corps, Asst. to Dept.
Quartermaster.

MAJ. ALBERT E. TRUBY, M. C., Attending Surgeon.

CAPT. PAUL GIDDINGS, Q. M. Corps, Asst. to Dept. Quarter-
master.

CAPT. GEORGE D. ARROWSMITH, Q. M. Corps, Asst. to Dept.
Quartermaster.

167

HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

CAPT. ELISHA G. ABBOTT, S. C, Asst. to Dept. Signal
Officer.

CAPT. JAMES J. MAYES, Inf., Asst. to Dept. Judge Advocate.

MAJOR JAY E. HOFFER, Ord. Dept., Resident at New York
Arsenal, Governor's Island, on duty at Sandy Hook Proving
Ground.

REVD. EDMUND BANKS SMITH, Chaplain.

OFFICERS OF THE 2QTH U. S. INFANTRY ON DUTY AT FORT
JAY, GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, JUNE, 1913.

HEADQUARTERS AND 3RD BATTALION.

COLONEL JOHN S. MALLORY commanding.
MAJOR DOUGLAS SETTLE, commanding 3rd Battalion.
CAPTAIN ROBERT H. ALLEN, Adjutant.
CAPTAIN KIRWAN T. SMITH, Quartermaster.
CAPTAIN HENRY C. CLEMENT, JR., Commissary.
LIEUT. JACOB H. RUDOLPH, Battalion Quartermaster and
Commissary.

IST LIEUT. CARROLL R. BAKER, M. R. C.

CAPTAIN JOHN F. MADDEN, commanding Company K.
CAPTAIN JAMES A. Moss, commanding Company M.
CAPTAIN THOMAS W. DARRAH, commanding Company I.
CAPTAIN GEORGE H. SHELTON, commanding Company L.

168

COMMANDING GENERALS, POST COMMANDERS, ETC.

Lieutenants.

FIRST LIEUTENANT CARROLL B. HODGES, on duty with Com-
pany L.

FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES A. DRAVO, on duty with Com-
pany I.

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES G. MC!LROY, on duty with Com-
pany K.

SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN R. EMORY, JR., on duty with
Company I.

SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM E. LARNED, on duty with
Company M.

SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM J. MORRISSEY, on duty with
Company L.

SECOND LIEUTENANT HENRY C. McLEAN, on duty with Com-
pany K.

n Ptr.-
•

CIRC

HUDSOMWI ah AVENUE SOUfh

ADDENDA

BRITISH REGIMENTS STATIONED ON
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND.

Reference has been made in Chapter II to the Royal Troops
stationed here in the Colonial days. A record of their service
will be of interest on account of their association with Gover-
nor's Island.

II. M. 22d Regiment of Foot, stationed here in 1/67, now
the Cheshire Regiment, served at the Battle of Louisburg,
where Major-General Sir William Pepperell, whose Regiment
was stationed here in 1755, won his title, also at Bunker Hill
and at Quaker Hill.

H. M. 44th Regiment of Foot, now the Essex Regiment,
stationed here in 1767, saw service at Ticonderoga, Fort du
Quesne, Niagara, Brandywine, and the Battle of Long Island,
and later at Bladensburg under Colonel Brooke and at Balti-
more under Major Johnson.

The Regiment of most interest to Americans, however, is
the Royal American Regiment, H. M. Goth Regiment of Foot,
now the King's Royal Rifle Corps, of which H. M. the King
is the Colonel in Chief.

This was raised in 1755, the recruits coming mainly from
Virginia and Maryland, and was organized on Governor's
Island and for many years was on duty here, as mentioned
in Chapter II. Walter Richards in "Her Majesty's Army"
points out that this Regiment and the Rifle Brigade are the
only Infantry Regiments the Chief Officers of which are
denominated Colonel in Chief and Colonel Commandant, and
that a distinctive feature of the King's Rifle Corps is that no
fewer than six Acts of Parliament have been passed concern-
ing it.

"Their first active employment," he says, "was in 1757,
two years after their organization on Governor's Island, when
they were engaged at Charleston, on the Canadian frontier

171

ADDENDA

and at the affair of Port William Henry. The following year
(1758) gained for them their first distinction, which com-
memorates the share they had in the 2nd Expedition against
Louisbtirg. Nor was Louisburg the only scene of their
prowes. Six companies were with the British force * * * at
Ticonderoga. They fought at Kingston and Prince Edward's
Island. In 1759 they fought under General Prideaux at Fort
Niagara : some of the Regiment were with Sir Jeffrey Amherst,
while others again were with Wolfe when on the Heights of
Abraham he gained Canada for the British Crown and died
in the gaining.

Here they so distinguished themselves that according to
tradition the gallant Wolfe himself bestowed on them their
motto

CELER ET AUDAX

It does not seem that there exists any positive record of
this fact, but the wording of the order in 1824 giving special
permission for the resumption bears out the theory. The
order was as follows:

SIR:

I have the honour to acquaint you by direction of the
Commander in Chief that His Majesty has been pleased
to permit the 6oth Regiment to resume the motto Celer
et Audax which was won by the Regiment in commemo-
ration of its distinguished bravery whilst employed with
the British Army in North America under Major General
Wolfe in the year 1759.

The Regiment has as a badge a bugle on the glengarry. On
the helmet plate is a bugle and a maltese cross bearing the
motto.

On the cross are the names of the great Regimental battles,
viz. : Louisburg, Quebec, 1759, Roleia, Vimiera, Martinique,
Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d'Onor, Albuera, Ciudad Rodrigo,
Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes,
Toulouse, Peninsula, Punjaub, Mooltan, Goojerat, South
Africa (1851-3), Delhi, Taku Forts, Pekin, South Africa
(1879), Ahmad Khel, Kandahar (1880), Afghanistan (1878-

172

ADDENDA

80), Egypt (1882-4), Tel-El-Kebir, Chitral, S. Africa (1899-
1902), Defense of Ladysmitli, Relief of Ladysmith."

It is a cause of deep satisfaction to realize that this dis-
tinguished Regiment, celer ct anda.v in practice as well as by
motto, not only came from our soil in the persons of its first
recruits, but that it gained its growth and training in this
Island-Garrison, where it remained for a long tour of duty,
and that by what we may now regard as a most happy occur-
rence of military routine it was ordered away to the \\Vst
Indies before the outbreak of hostilities in 1775-6. Thus the
6oth Foot were never arrayed against those who were their
brethren in blood as well as in sympathy, and the author
ventures at the close of this story of the Past to present his
compliments, with which he feels he can unofficially join those
of the Command Stationed on Governor's Island today, to
the 6oth Foot of 1756, the King's Royal Rifle Corps of 1913.

It is not alone in arms that Governor's Island is bound by
lasting ties of interest and sympathy to the mother country.
The Church and the Army in every land have much in com-
mon— the Army to protect and the Church to bless. This
Garrison has been no exception to the rule. There is, how-
ever, a deeper connection than would appear upon the surface
as a part of our history. It is that the ministrations of religion
here for nearly seventy years carried on at the request of the
Army by the venerable Corporation of Trinity Church have
been, and are today, possible because of the Royal endow-
ments of the British Crown which constitute the wealth of
the Parish of Trinity Church. The Parish regards it a privi-
lege to minister to the spiritual needs of the Army. From
the point of view of the historian there is an added interest in
reflecting that when in the providence of God the existing
close relations between the Army and the Old Parish began,
they not only opened the way to mutual acquaintance and
esteem, but gave the Parish an opportunity among its other
works to pay from the Royal endowments a tribute of appre-
ciation of this very distinguished Regiment of the British
Army born on Governor's Island.

173

ADDENDA

Thus remembrance of the Past and loyalty to the Present
go hand in hand. The Prince of Wales' Feathers still bend
over the pulpit of old Saint Paul's Chapel, the Coronation
of His Majesty King George V is solemnly observed in the
Parish Church. Such things as this help to show that men
do not even in this age altogether forget the deeds of their
forefathers, a careful remembrance of which, with entire de-
votion to the duties of the Present, will constitute a nation
admired of men and blessed of God.

THE POST HEADQUARTERS BUILDING.

Although, as stated in Chapter V, no date can be assigned
for the erection of the building now used as Post Head-
quarters, it seems clear to the author, as well as to others,
that it is at least one of the oldest buildings on Governor's
Island. Reference to it will be found on page 107.

A careful examination of the building indicates that it was
built for a dwelling-house and used for a guard house or
headquarter building. The rose panel decorations over the
doorways and windows and the expensive character of the
base mouldings carry out this theory.

This was possibly the family house mentioned in the British
orders, page 39, but it was undoubtedly the guard house and
headquarters of the period of 1812.* The lower part was
at one time used for the main guard house, as the heavy iron
bars of the ancient four-sided pattern clearly indicate, as well
as their considerable corrosion at the lower ends due to the
settling of moisture. One bar has been replaced by a modern
round bar, revealing a probable escape, and one window is
now entirely without bars, but the square sockets are plainly
to be seen in the upper sill. The building itself is cross or T
shape and additions of frame construction have been added
at some unknown period. In one of these, at the N. W. angle,
may be seen the sill of an exterior door. This shows signs

* Previous to 1840, when the present Cornd'g Genl's Quarters were built,
the Post Cmd'r lived with his family in this building. It was as late as
that period called "The Governor's House."

174

ADDENDA

of long use in the wearing away of the surface. In the lower
part of the house the walls have been ceiled with wood and
plaster and in one place part of the old foundation appears,
disclosing a red sandstone similar to that used in Castle
Williams, but for the most part the foundations, like the walls
throughout, are of brick.

The lower room now used as a furnace room contains
within it an interior apartment with remains indicating a door
in the thickness of the wall. This is lighted by a very small,
deep-set window with double iron bars of the old pattern. It
is more than reasonable to believe this was the Black Hole
referred to on page 63.

In addition to the fine rose mouldings on the first floor, a
fire place and mantel of elaborate construction and the original
arrangement of doors, both exterior and interior, lead to the
theory held by some that although undoubtedly the guard
house of 1812, it was perhaps used as a dwelling house at an
earlier period as its common name of "Governor's House" in
1830 would seem to imply. An interior stair case was re-
moved a few years ago and an outside stairway was erected,
connecting the Sergeant-Major's office below with the Com-
manding Officer's above. The author inclines to a belief that
it is at least of the post-Revolutionary early American reoccu-
pation (1783), built for the Commanding Officer of the Gar-
rison.

LETTER FROM GENERAL GRANT REGARDING THE NEW CHAPEL.

"GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, NEW YORK,

October 7th, 1908.
To THE RECTOR, CHURCHWARDENS AND VESTRYMEN OF

TRINITY CHURCH.
MY DEAR SIRS: —

As Commanding General of the Department of the
East, residing here on Governor's Island, I beg to express
on my own behalf and for the officers of the United
States Army in general, and more especially for those
stationed here, with their families, as well as on behalf of
the enlisted men and all others residing here within my

ADDENDA

command, the very deep appreciation felt by myself, and
by those mentioned, of the work so generously and liber-
ally carried out by Trinity Church here, for years past.
It appears from the records that the first Chapel building
in 1846-7 was due largely to the contributions of Trinity
Church Corporation, and for many years after the date
mentioned, annual appropriations were made by the
Church regularly, for its support and to assist the Chap-
lain here in his work on Governor's Island. From 1868
to the present time, by authority of the Secretary of War,
Trinity Church has maintained the Chaplain, and in 1906,
completed the beautiful stone chapel, which was dedi-
cated that year, October igth, with ceremonies of a Mili-
tary and Ecclesiastical character.

St. Cornelius Chapel is the most beautiful and in-
spiring place of worship of the United States Army, now
in existence, and decorated with its historic flags and
cannons is deeply appreciated by all who enter within its
sacred walls, and has been the cause of several requests
from other Military Garrisons that similar Chapels might
be built in those Garrisons as inspirations for Christian
work, and benefit. I, myself, gratefully realize the happy
relations existing between the Church and the Army
brought about by the munificent donation of Trinity
Church in placing this Chapel on Governor's Island. The
Reverend Morgan Dix, late Rector of Trinity Church,
was in his lovable, noble example and his Christian char-
acter, a wonderful aid and inspiration in establishing the
happy relations between the Church and the Army, and
he exerted a most elevating influence over those coming
within the sphere of his labors and gentle sympathy.

I deeply appreciate the opportunity I have had, as De-
partment Commander here, to witness the work so nobly
accomplished by Trinity Church for the good of the
United States Army, and I beg to express my own grate-
ful thanks, to you, the Rector, Churchwardens and Vestry-
men of Trinity Church, for your Christian help extend-
ing in results from Governor's Island throughout the De-
partment of the East and to the Army of the United
States.

Believe me, Sirs,

Your faithful servant,
FREDERICK D. GRANT,

Major General, U. S. A."

176

V...

EPILOGUE

History is more than a mere statement of facts. It is, or
should be, all of this for accuracy, for truth, but many are
satisfied with statement as the end, whereas it should be but
the beginning.

Herein lies the explanation of the frequent failure of the
nation or the individual to learn by experience, which is an-
other name for applied History, in that many mistake experi-
ences for experience and fail to recognize in the rapid onward
march of individual events the slower, grander movement of
History, which is the sum total of the fleeting figures which
compose it. These figures come and go ; they are added up by
the infallible hand of time and are erased to make room for
others. All that shall finally remain is Result. We may not on
that account despise the fact nor the figure because it is small,
but rather pay our respect because it, so small, is a controlling
factor in the great Result, in some way contributing to that
"one far-off divine event to which the whole creation moves."

Emerson tells us that History is the "record of the works
of the one mind common to all individual men ; that a man is
the whole encyclopaedia of facts: that the creation of a thou-
sand forests is in one acorn, and that Egypt, Greece, Rome,
Gaul, Britain, America lie folded already in the first man."

These profound words may be applied to the subject of this
history. If the fate of a nation lies folded in one man, it is
certainly true that three hundred years of the activity of many
men concentrated in one spot must have an enormous influence
upon the community in which that spot is enshrined. And
Governor's Island, the "Jewel of New York," as the author's
friend Baron Nicholas de Lodygensky calls it, lying a pendant
of her larger sister of Manhattan, both by geographical posi-
tion and in history carries out the idea of concentration and
importance as well as of beauty.

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND is a name to conjure by in our City and
State and Nation, both military and civilian, for the reason

EPILOGUE

that it has without exception in all its history represented im-
portant circumstance and high ideal. Purchased honourably
by treaty from its aboriginal owners, it passed at once into the
official life of the Dutch Colonial Government. Consequent
upon the final English conquest of 1674 it increased in im-
portance as in value. The "Smiling Garden of the Sovereigns
of the Province" in the piping times of peace, it took on the
frown of war when danger beset its borders. Governors,
Statesmen, the Military, all agreed in its value for defence.
Washington issued orders for the breastworks of '76 and Put-
nam made haste at candle-lighting. The literates of Columbia
College toiled in the post-Revolutionary trenches, and from
that day to this it has been a citadel of defence ; artillery and
infantry in turn have garrisoned its forts and mounted the
guard upon its grassy slopes. Of later years it has become in
addition the Headquarters of Administration, and thus in its
whole career it has exemplified the two cardinal principles
of continuity and progress. In our haste for results rather
than for the Result we forget that progress can be best secured
by conservative continuity. This would seem to be the lesson
Governor's Island teaches.

It is a silent lesson and it is to be read in the mirror of
experience into which he gazes who studies History, or even
so small a part of it as this brief book contains.

Continuity of official life in one spot for three hundred years
means much in the history of any land. When it is recalled
that official status on this Island has prevailed under the flags
of three distinct Powers, each one at war with the one follow-
ing or preceding, and one with both, it will be granted that the
subject of this history has inherited sufficient conservatism to
explain some things that harass the would-be progressive to-
day. Our Island in its story recalls to the thoughtful mind
visions of the shadowy red man lurking in its virgin forest,
traditions of the sturdy Dutch with their windmill and planta-
tion, of the elegant English Colonial of the Charles and the
Georges, and coming finally to our own more recent history
and to the present day, we confess to conscious pride when

178

EPILOGUE

we view our splendid soldiery, which in its personnel of otticer.s
and men unconsciously inherits and exemplifies the virtues of
those who under other flags but with much the same ideals
have trod this land before us.

The three Flags of Holland, England and America have
known the winds of our Island since 1637. This spot has
had its part in the forging of the nation, the welding together
of materials differing in their character but not in their sub-
stance. The work is going on here today of perfecting the
work so well begun but never to be so completed that labour
may cease.

This is continuity, and because it is on right lines, actuated
by high motives, it will receive the reward that a distinct law
of nature prescribes.

The purpose of the author in writing this history has been
attained if he has correctly stated facts as they occurred and
if he has so entwined the Three Flags which have floated here
that while each preserves its identity, it still lends colour to
the rest and deepens the strength of that Flag we must love
best because it is ours.

In the great destiny of Nations we know not yet what part
we shall play. Continuity on the lines of that wisdom which
belongs to the ages and progress in every application to the
changing conditions of the century or of the hour are elements
of lasting power and prepare a people for that struggle which
is sure to come soon to the weak and some time to the strong.

It is not too much to say that Governor's Island has played
well and consistently its part for God and Country in the
past, and not too much to hope it will ever do so in the un-
known years that are to come.

? THE NEW YOBK

HUDSON PARK

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CQHP8 0»

ENLARGEMENT

GOVERNORS ISLAND
NEW YORK

COMPLETED ENLARGEMENT
OUTLINES :AND ELEVATIONS-

OCTOBER.I.9I2.

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.WFOLbbLtW.COH^SOF t NCI NCC^S. U&Jk.

ENGINEERS' PLAN — GOVERNOR'S ISLAND— 1912.

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